A HANDSOME husky has been crowned winner of the Tele's Perfect Pets competition.

Siberian husky Malakai, five, was the clear champion in our contest, finishing 236 votes ahead of our runner-up.

Pet fans cast more than 11,000 votes in the competition.

Malakai lives in Maxwellton Road in Port Glasgow with his owner Lauren MacLennan and Lauren's dad Ian.

Lauren, 26, says she's shocked and thrilled that her boy has taken the title and won her £750.

She said: "I saw the competition on Facebook and just thought I would put him in for it.

"I've never put him in for anything like that before and didn't really think we stood a chance.

"So I'm absolutely delighted."

Lauren and Ian have had Malakai since he was a tiny puppy and got him from England through a family connection.

As a full pedigree husky, Malakai has the distinctive husky howl - and Lauren says he doesn't like being told what to do.

His brother Koda lives just up the road from Lauren in Bardrainney Avenue and when the siblings get together, there's plenty of play fighting and excitement.

Lauren says she's grateful to everyone who voted for her perfect pet.

She said: "We'd like to say a huge thank-you to everyone who voted for Malakai.

"We really appreciate it.

"He'll definitely be getting lots of treats with the money."

Shih tzu Oscar took second place in our competition, polling 61 votes more than our third placed pet.

Oscar's owner Julie O'Neill picks up £200.

Julie said: "I'm absolutely delighted.

"I've never put him in for a competition before but just thought we would see how it goes.

"He's a real character and has a great wee personality.

"I'm shocked but so pleased.

"Thank-you to everyone who voted."

French bulldog Bella, who turned one in January, took third place in the contest.

Her owner Sophie Ann McKee, 23, scoops £50.

Sophie said: "I really didn't think she would reach the top 26.

"She's absolutely wild and is a great wee dog.

"I'll definitely buy her a wee treat with the money."

Tele editor Brian Hossack says this year's competition showed just how dedicated pet fans are across Inverclyde.

He said: "It's clear that Inverclyde loves animals.

"It was great to see so many different pets involved this year.

"All of them are perfect in their own way.

"We received more than 11,000 votes, which is just incredible.

"Thank-you to everyone who submitted photos and to all of our voters, and a huge well done to our winners."