A LITTLE Leigh pub has been named as one of the most dog-friendly in the region, with votes still being accepted.

The Leigh Arms, off the A49, is fourth in the north west top 10 ahead of the Dog-friendly Pub Awards, run by Rover.com – the world's largest network of pet sitters and dog walkers.

The competition aims to find the UK's best pubs for four-legged friends, and encourages all establishments to welcome dogs.

As things stand, The Maltings in Warrington tops the north west table, with the Leigh Arms trailing The Beer School (Bolton) and The Railway at Bromley Cross (Blackburn) in mounting a serious challenge for the title.

But the contest is far from over in this national wooferendum.

Simon Le Grice from Rover said: “This is a critical point in the competition for the nominated pubs. These leaderboards could still dramatically change in the last few weeks of the competition.

“If you can’t see your local on there, or you think it should be at the top of the leaderboard, get voting to help it climb up the table. Every vote counts as right now, it’s anyone’s game.”

You can give the Leigh Arms a push – or vote for your favourite dog-friendly pub – by visiting pubs.rover.com before public voting closes on November 6.

Winners will be announced on November 20.

Lisa Hens, senior scientific officer at the RSPCA, is one of the judges.

She said: “The key things that stand out for me are pubs having somewhere quiet for dogs to go if they want to chill out, providing separate water bowls for dogs who aren’t comfortable sharing, as well as making it clear on their website that dogs are welcome so owners can plan their visit. These pubs deserve to be celebrated, so don’t forget to vote.”

For every vote cast, Rover will donate 25p to the RSPCA.