ZAK the terrier has landed his owner in the doghouse after scooping the prize draw at his local social club.

William Wilson paid £2.50 to enroll the three-year-old Jack Russell as a member of Bebside Welfare Social Club, in Bedlington, Northumberland.

But hackles rose when Zak scampered off with the £50 members' prize at the weekend.

One veteran member, Joe Wright, 68, complained that the cash should be handed back, saying the club rule book states members must be "humanoid".

Jobless Mr Wilson, 34, of Bedlington, Northumberland, said: "Most afternoons I take Zak for a walk and he comes to the club with me, so, earlier this year, for a laugh, I paid his fee to make him a member.

"It was just done as a joke and last weekend was the first time he has been in on a Sunday for the draw.

"I will be spending every penny of the £50 on Zak because it is his money. He will be getting a new basket and anything else he needs."

But Joe Wright 68, of Blyth, who has been a member for 50 years, said he felt allowing a dog to become a member was insulting and made a mockery of the club.

"It says in the rule book that to be a member you have to be a humanoid and over 18. This is a Jack Russell and he is only three. The secretary told me it was a joke that had gone wrong."