07/11/2000

Judy, the dieting Dalmatian, is hoping to knock spots off her canine rivals in a slimming competition.

The nine-year-old bitch is one of the ten regional finalists who will battle it out in the North-East heat of the Hill's Pet Slimmer of the Year Competition.

Judy was a massive 6st 7lb (42.8kg) when her desperate owners, Joyce and Jimmy Noble, took her to their local veterinary practice in Darlington.

She was a rescue dog before Mrs and Mrs Noble, who live in Park Crescent, Darlington, took her in. Her diet at the time consisted of fish and chips, curries and any other food which was thrown at her.

She was put on a dried food diet and, in a short space of time, slimmed down to 5st 2lb (33kg), losing 23 per cent of her body weight in the process.

Judy's owners are now hoping her slim figure will result in her winning the North-East slimming crown and going on to London for the grand final in December.

Mrs Noble said: "Judy is nine years old and she has gone from being an old age pensioner to a spring chicken. We are glad she has lost so much weight because it was affecting her health."

Dogs and cats from across the region will compete in the local heat in the Jarvis Hotel, Wetherby, North Yorkshire, today.

The winner of the national competition on December 7, which will be hosted by diet and fitness guru Rosemary Conley, will receive six months supply of Hill's pet food, while the owner will win a £250 holiday voucher.

Alison Jones, Hill's veterinary affairs manager, said: "All pet owners benefit from having a slim pet and, as Mr and Mrs Noble, have discovered, their pet is now healthier, more energetic and happier.