A smiley pug dressed up in a full Santa suit has been named York’s most Christmassy pet.
Chloe Botterill entered her beloved Marley into the competition sponsored by York Gin and pop-up festive radio station XmasMix to find the city’s most Christmassy pet.
Marley beat fierce competition from hundreds of entries, including a smiling dog standing on a donkey’s back, a snake, Beep the Goose, Rumpo the tarantula, some fish, and a horse called Bruce in a Santa hat.
The competition also attracted two tortoises, a pair of African land snails, lots of dogs, cats, hamsters and several rabbits. You can see all the entries by searching #YorkXmasPets on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Emma Godivala of York Gin said: “They are all just absolutely gorgeous and it was an impossible task to pick a winner.
“Santa hats off to the good pet owners of York – they’ve really got into the spirit and raised some smiles during this Christmas. Take a look – they really will melt your heart, and may just save a bit of Christmas spirit.
Ben Fry of XmasMix radio said: “We hope XmasMix Radio and pictures of pets in Santa hats have spread a little cheer at a time when it’s sorely lacking.
“I know Mariah on the radio and a pug in a Santa suit have worked for me.”
Chloe wins a £100 York Gift Card and a large bottle of York Gin.
Runners-up including Bonnie the cockapoo, Phoebe the cat and a rabbit, who win some pet treats donated by Throw the Dog a Bone of Selby – along with some York Gin miniature bottles.
As well as taking several stills of Marley, Chloe even took a video of him under her Christmas tree accompanied by a Mariah Carey soundtrack.
She entered him into the competition under the name ‘Marley Claus’.
Chole said: “He brings me so much happiness.”