WHAT a star! Lulu, a black Newfoundland owned by Thanet North MP Roger Gale, has won this year's Westminster Dog of the Year title.

Lulu, who ran on a ‘Free Slobber For All’ ticket, was among a striking line-up of pooches belonging to Members and Peers to enter the competition.

While she has the comfortable wrinkled charm of her breed, she was not selected on her good looks. Character was the main criteria being sought by judges from the Kennel Club and Dog’s Trust (formerly National Canine Defence League).

Lulu has already attended many functions, including Herne Bay carnival this summer when she helped collect for NCDL and is a PAT (Pets As Therapy) dog, frequently visiting hospitals and places like Strode Park.

Mr Gale said: “I think she’s a very good advertisement for animal welfare and a very good advertisement indeed for companion animal ownership."