A POLITICAL wag might say he's barking, but Ryedale MP John Greenway is hoping he'll be top dog in a competition to find Parliament's best pooch next week.

The MP has entered the Westminster Dog of the Year contest with his nine-year-old Norfolk Terrier, Benjy - last year he was second with his terrier, Danny.

"I was pipped to the post by a London Labour MP John Fitzpatrick, who won it with a rescue Alsatian," he said.

"This means he gets to be a judge this year; even so I'm hoping he'll take to Benjy and give him a well-deserved first prize because he's a lovely dog.

"Mr Fitzpatrick will be just one of the judges. I don't know how they pick the others - it's as shrouded in mystery as how they pick the Speaker of the House."

The competition, which is open to both MPs and Lords, is organised by the National Canine Defence League and the Kennel Club to promote responsible ownership.

"Benjy has been chipped and snipped so he'll be setting a good example for other dog owners," said Mr Greenway.