Canny canine Bertie is a dog in 282 million. The lucky hound has used his nose to predict the last five Saturday Lotto bonus balls in a pub competition.

Regulars at the Royal Coach in Shoreham are astounded by Bertie's run of fortune.

The two-year-old Labrador-basset cross has beaten odds of 282,475,249 to one to guess the numbers - which is 20 times more unlikely than hitting the lottery jackpot itself.

But Bertie's lucky streak has not made his owner Dave Hallett a millionaire but he has pocketed the tidy sum of £200.

Apart from buying some Bonio for his beloved pooch, big-hearted Dave has given all his winnings to the National Canine Defence League (NCDL).

Dave, 58, from Broadway, Lancing, said: "It's uncanny how he keeps winning. He is a lucky old dog and we're a brilliant team.

"I've had Bertie since July. He was found abandoned in a skip in Lancing and was destined for the NCDL.

"I wasn't sure at first but I would be lost without him now. He's family."

Every week, the pub organises the fun contest with punters staking £1 on guessing the bonus ball in the Saturday draw.

The winner takes home the kitty, less £9, which goes to the RNLI.

Landlord Graham Eaves said: "Dave has been coming in here since the beginning of time. These days, he chucks in a pound in Bertie's name and Bertie puts his nose up to the board on a number."

Warren Lush, a spokesman for bookmakers Ladbrokes, said: "For the same odds, you could have Brighton and Hove Albion getting promoted this season through the play-offs plus Norman Cook becoming the next Tory Prime Minister."