HERE are the entries for this year’s Northern Echo Love Your Dog 2020 competition.

The contest, run in partnership with Durham Animal Feeds, aims to find a dozen adorable dogs to feature in the company's 2021 calendar.

Photographs have been pouring in from readers and the 12 lucky winners will each have a professional photoshoot of their dog by award-winning Northern Echo photographer Sarah Caldecott.

These professional photos will then make up the Durham Animal Feeds 2021 calendar.

The overall winner will receive a year’s supply of dog food and will appear on the cover of the calendar.

Sarah said: "We have had some amazing entries so far, everything from tiny Chihuahuas to huge Great Danes. There have been some heart-warming stories of dogs helping people cope with bereavement, through to retired police dogs who have helped catch criminals and sniff out drugs.

"And through all the pictures and stories, one thing is very clear and that is just how much people love their dogs and how much they mean to us as true members of the family."

Durham Animal Feeds sales administrator Claire Johnson said: “We will be looking at all the entries carefully to choose our winners.

“At Durham Animal Feeds, we believe in natural diets for our pets – who are more like family members – and we are excited to offer this opportunity to win some great prizes.”

We apologise that the publication of entries has been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.