Lucy the Labrador cross knows how to sing for her supper - and her talent has earned her success in a national competition.

In fact, the two-year-old Labrador-German shepherd cross doesn't only sing - she also hops like a deer.

She was one of 13 finalists from the South East to make it through to the prestigious RSPCA Dog of the Year competition at the charity's Millbrook Animal Centre in Chobham, Surrey, on Sunday.

Lucy failed to scoop the title but owner Vicky Heasman is still proud of her.

Seven-months pregnant Vicky, 22, whose parents look after Lucy at their home in Applesham Avenue, Hove, said: "She's got a massive head and a great big tongue and hops because her back legs didn't form properly so she is a bit strange to look at.

"We have only had her for a year and we got her from a rescue centre, but she's such a lovely dog you wouldn't believe it. She trusts everyone."

Despite being physically neglected, Lucy has turned out to be a family favourite, particularly with her singing abilities.

Vicky said: "She had never had dog food before we had her so we started her off on dry food and she always barks at it like she's talking before she eats it."

Lucy was accompanied in the finals by Sussex dogs including Peg, owned by Abbie Goddard from Horsham; Pip, owned by Gillian Stoner also from Horsham; Arnee, owned by Derek Osbourne from Uckfield; and Kevin, owned by Liane Osborne, also from Uckfield.

Max was also a finalist and is owned by Karen Woolford from Brighton.

A spokesman for the RSPCA said: "Unfortunately none of the finalists from Sussex won the competition but there were some lovely dogs."