A POOCH-friendly pub which cares for canines is celebrating after winning a national award.

The Fox and Hounds in Theale has been named as the most dog-friendly pub by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).

Now in their second year, the awards recognise the deserving pubs across the UK that truly embrace ‘paw power’ and welcome not just two, but four legged customers too.

Jayne Tilsley, general manager of The Fox and Hounds, said: “Dogs are not pets, they are family, and to us this means that they should join you everywhere, be it just for a drink or dinner too.

"We have one regular guest, Cookie, who is a rescue dog. When Cookie first joined us he was very nervous and would bark when we were anywhere in the vicinity of him.

"Now, just two years on, he even lets us stroke him. Our neighbour’s dog, Lord Dobbington of Sunnyside, regularly brings himself to the pub for a solo visit.”

Richard Setterwall, founder and CEO of DogBuddy, added: "The superb service demonstrated shows a real consideration for dog welfare and happiness, which we at DogBuddy.com value above all.

"The whole DogBuddy pack is proud to congratulate The Fox and Hounds Theale on their achievement, and hopes that the Dog-friendly Pub Awards will inspire dog owners country-wide to discover and support their local pubs.”