RAVEN is well on her way to stardom having been shortlisted for an award in a competition.

Supporters are wanted to help the 20-month-old labrador, whose owners live in Darlington, become this year's winner of the Drontal Coolest Canine competition.

Raven's life has been transformed since the rescue puppy became a Pets As Therapy (Pat) dog, spending most of her time raising money for the charity.

Her owners, Tom and Terry Bolan, take her to visit people in care homes and hospitals in Darlington, and to many Pat fundraising events.

Now she has been selected as a finalist for the competition by a panel of celebrity judges, including TV presenter John Noakes and opera singer Anouska De Georgiou.

Readers of The Northern Echo are being asked to pledge their support for Raven by casting their votes for her online at www.coolestcanine.com, or by telephoning 0845 1651579 before Friday, February 20.

The competition benefits four major pet charities - Pets As Therapy, Dogs For The Disabled, Canine Partners and Birmingham Dogs Home.