BRAVE mongrel Scruff is in the running for a national award designed to pay tribute to man's best friend.

Owner Peggie Foster Mitchell nominated her beloved puppy for the courageous way he battled back to health after an horrific attack by another dog.

Mrs Mitchell and husband John, of Clive Road, Westhoughton, were on holiday in Yorkshire when the long coated Jack Russell was savaged by another dog.

The heartbroken couple feared Scruff would die of shock and the puppy needed 186 stitches in his wounds.

But he fought back against his injuries and now his owners have nominated him for the Real Life Champs award run by Winalot and Take a Break Magazine.

"He's a brave little fellow, a really courageous little chap," said Mrs Mrs Foster Mitchell.

If you would like to enter your pet telephone 0171 430 0788 for details.

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