Record-breaking basset hound Mr Jeffries has lost his crown.

The pedigree pooch had his ears insured for £30,000 after his owner discovered they were the longest in the world.

The 11.5in lugs earned Mr Jeffries - also known as Knightsfollie Ladiesman - a place in the Guinness Book Of Records.

But the clumsy hound, who constantly tripped over his monster ears at his home in Southwick, has failed to hang on to his title.

This week the tape measures were out in Germany to check the ears of contender Jack, a year-old basset from Frankfurt.

Jack's lugs stretched to 13in, giving them a combined weight of 4lb and putting him streets ahead of Mr Jeffries.

And as bassets do not stop growing until they are 18 months old, Jack could go on to beat his own record.

It is more than two years since Mr Jeffries' ears were insured by owner and namesake Phil Jeffries.

The hound was declared a record-breaker after the death at 15 of the previous world-beater - his father, Biggles, famous as the face of Hush Puppies shoes.

Offers for film roles and advertisements began flooding in and Mr Jeffries was taken by stretch limousine to appear on a number of TV chat shows.

The family pet remained unimpressed by this treatment and even disgraced himself by being sick on the back seat.

He was often happier padding around at home after Phil or partner Jo.

Jo had named Mr Jeffries after her boyfriend because she saw a few similarities between them.