Sgt Watchman V, Mascot of the Staffordshire Regiment, has won the public vote in the prestigious Westminster Dog of the Year competition.
At the final held on Thursday 8th September (today) at Victoria Tower Gardens, next to Parliament, Sgt Watchman V was announced as the public vote winner in the competition.
Watchman competed with other politicians and their pooches to battle for the coveted title of ‘Westminster Dog of the Year 2016’.
Sgt Watchman V was entered into the competition by local MPs Amanda Milling, MP for Cannock Chase; Andrew Griffiths, MP for Burton; Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire; Michael Fabricant, MP for Lichfield; Christopher Pincher, MP for Tamworth and Jeremy Lefroy, MP for Stafford.
Organised jointly by the Kennel Club and Dogs Trust, the competition offers the unique chance for the MPs to show off Sgt Watchman V, a mascot to the people of Staffordshire and the Black Country.
Amanda Milling, Member of Parliament for Cannock Chase, said: “Watchman did a fantastic job and did the county proud. Winning the public vote was by no means a small task. It is a testament to his importance to the people of Staffordshire and the Black Country, including veterans of the Staffordshire Regiment and 3 Mercian. He also has a very local connection to Cannock Chase as his family line is from Cannock.”
Watchman received a special trophy and rosette for coming in first place in the public vote competition. The winners of the judges panel were -
1st Kennedy and Clinton - Jonathan Reynolds MP
2nd Milo - Rebecca Harris MP
3rd Fiona - Liz Savil-Roberts MP
Watchman Handler, Greg Hedges, said “Taking part in the event has been a great experience and the competition has done important work to raise the profile of many of the issues facing Watchman’s four legged friends. Thank you to everyone who voted for Watchman, it is such a joy to know so many people gave him their support.”
Watchman also won local praise. Michael Perks, owner of Head 2 Tails Grooming and Pet Supplies in Hednesford, offered his congratulations on Winning 1st place and has offered Sgt Watchman V free grooming and food for the rest of his life.