IT is the result dog lovers across Hampshire have been waiting for.

After hundreds of entries and scores of text message votes, the winner of the Daily Echo's Prettiest Pooch competition can be revealed.

Toastie, the Norfolk terrier, has been crowned champion after winning the hearts of readers and judges against more than 900 dogs.

Four-year-old Toastie lives with her family in Romsey and is a familiar face to people in the town as a frequent visitor to her owner's hair salon.

Owner Louise James said: "I can't believe it, this is absolutely fantastic news. So many people know Toastie and she is absolutely hilarious. People absolutely adore her."

Louise, who runs the Louise James Hair Design in Victoria Place, Romsey, said that it was a special accomplishment for Toastie.

"She was originally bred for dog shows but has wonky teeth and her foot bends inwards when she walks so she couldn't enter any events.

"This is just such a great day for her she really is a star and loves to pose for the camera to have her picture taken."

Toastie, who lives with Louise, her husband Trevor and daughter Alice, defeated hundreds of hopefuls to make it to the position of top dog.

Since launching the competition earlier this year, the offices of the Daily Echo has been flooded with entries from proud pet owners all wanting to share their favourite pooch with the rest of Hampshire.

Following a public vote to select the top ten, Daily Echo judges were given the difficult task of choosing an overall winner and the subsequent runners up. In third place was Tilly, the King Charles Cavalier, who belongs to the Chamberlain family from Bishopstoke.

Second place went to Tyler, the Yorkshire Terrier, from Southampton who lives with the Tarrant family in Maybush.

Both runners up will receive a doggy goody bag from the Daily Echo and a framed photo of their prize pooch.

Toastie and the James family will now also receive a framed portrait of their winning pet by Hampshire artist Joanna Zakalska.

Don't miss Cute Kitties and Pet Idol - coming soon.