THE votes poured in in their hundreds for The Pet Factor as one 'too cute for their own good' pet followed another.

In the end it was a close call and one very adorable dachshund, Rufus, come out overall winner. His owner, Kieron Doré, visited the Ross Gazette office to collect the prize and Rufus showed his appreciation with a wag of the tail.

Rufus wins a photo session with Master Photographer Philip Price and judging by his behaviour in the office he will have no problems striking a winning pose.

In second place was the beautiful Mia, a Burmese cat. Together with her owner, Julie Brandram Jones, they collected her purrfect prize from Archenfield Veterinary Practice with a generous new year care package consisting of a year's supply of flea and worming treatment, a routine booster vaccination and a free consultation. Plus, Archenfield also presented her with a £100 voucher to spend at Creature Comforts pet shop.

And third was the lovely golden labrador, Duke, pictured with his owner, Nicki James, collecting their prize, a £20 ART shopping voucher from the Gazette office.