RIPPER the Patterdale Terrier, is the Ely Standard Pet of the Year after having received most votes from you, our readers. Ripper (entrant No. 150) belongs to Kerry Butcher of Littleport. He is four years-old and lives at home with a variety of other anim

RIPPER the Patterdale Terrier, is the Ely Standard Pet of the Year after having received most votes from you, our readers.

Ripper (entrant No. 150) belongs to Kerry Butcher of Littleport. He is four years-old and lives at home with a variety of other animals including a cat, rabbits and chickens. Kerry says that he is a "typical terrier, but quite soft and he loves all the animals who live with him. He is quite lazy and loves lying on the sofa." Kerry bought Ripper when he was 11 months-old and, as a former post lady, used to take him out on her round every morning where he was a big hit with the public.

"I decided to enter him in the competition at the last minute because he is such a cutie and I love him so much," says Kerry.

Ripper (who was named by his previous owners) has won a £50 voucher from Alan's Ark the pet shop and equestrian centre in Soham who sponsored the Pet of the Year competition. He will be using some of the prize to buy new toys and is especially fond of rubber balls and loves pigs' ears as a special treat.

SECOND place in the Pet of the Year went to Jack, (entrant No. 122) a nine month-old West Highland White Terrier crossed with a Border Terrier. He wins a photo portrait of himself taken by our Ely Standard photographer, Helen Drake.

Jack belongs to Amanda Cooper of Ely who describes him as "very friendly", and he lives with five cats. His favourite toy is a very loud squeaky and a cuddly toy cat which he curls up with - "I daren't put it in the wash in case it falls to pieces," says Amanda. Jack's favourite things are walkies, playing and "going to Grandma's where he has lots of room to run around," Amanda added.

ELY STANDARD PET OF THE YEAR 2007

THIS is the first time the Ely Standard has run a Pet of the Year competition and we had no idea how popular it was going to be. We were absolutely overwhelmed by the response and closed the competition with nearly 200 entries which were published over four pages in our July 26 edition, and some fairly vigorous voting.

Although two dogs came out on top, other species were well represented with plenty of cute cats, rabbits, an iguana and a hamster amongst the entrants.

The event was launched on July 5 and your entries were soon pouring in and by the time the competition closed on July 23, we were awash with fantastic pet photos.

Thanks to everyone who entered and the hundreds of you who voted for your favourite pet.

Many thanks as well go to our sponsor, Alan's Ark of Soham, who provided the main prize of £50 worth of vouchers to be spent in the shop. Alan's Ark supplies a range of food, beds and bedding, hutches, toys, kennels and much more including everything you need for horses and ponies.