Devizes MP Claire Perry's 11-year-old Labrador, Zinzan, will be judged alongside other MPs' dogs from all over the UK which are in the running to win the title of Westminster Dog of the Year.

Retrievers will be raring to race and greyhounds will be going for gold as dogs of all shapes and sizes battle it out at Victoria Tower Gardens, Westminster.

Organised jointly by Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club, the competition offers the chance for Mrs Perry to show off Zinzan.

Mrs Perry said: "Zinzan and I are extremely excited to be representing the Devizes constituency and going head to head with my fellow MPs at this year’s Westminster Dog of the Year.

“I have every faith that Zinzan will give the other dogs a run for their money as he is full of energy and has a lovely nature which I’m hoping will wow the judges and make him a hot contender for the title.”

With post-Olympic fever still lingering in the air, a competitive doggy dash is being incorporated into this year’s event which will see the MPs’ pooches tested on their speed and agility.

Judging on the day will review the contestants on their heroic doggy deeds, winning personalities and acts of dogged devotion, which will then determine which political pooch is most deserving of the title.

Clarissa Baldwin, chief executive of the Dogs Trust, said: “Dogs are renowned for bringing people together and this competition is no exception.

"Westminster Dog of the Year is a light-hearted way to encourage discussion on serious dog welfare issues needing urgent attention, as well as demonstrating the importance of dogs in our lives.”