RILEY the Oldham rescue dog has been named Greater Manchester Pet Idol 2008.

The four-year-old bearded collie, initially named as the Oldham Advertiser winner, has now scooped the overall title for the county.

Riley competed against finalists from seven other newspaper titles, and can now look forward to a new bowl, some of his favourite balls to chase and a year’s supply of treats.

The prize pooch won a whopping 3,588 votes from readers in the final. He beat his closest rival, Wilmslow’s Jack the cat, by more than 1,000 votes.

Riley, who regularly visits the elderly, children with special needs and helps other youngsters overcome their phobia of dogs, initially won £150 in Pets at Home vouchers when he was named the Oldham Advertiser winner.

He now gets a further £500 of vouchers as the overall Greater Manchester Pet Idol. But generous owners Karol and Kevin Williams, of Royton, say they’ll give half of the vouchers away.

Karol, 43, said: "We’re really pleased and will donate half the vouchers to a small animal charity, the Society for Abandoned Animals. We’ll buy Riley a posh new bowl and he’s obsessed with a particular brand of ball, which he’s always losing when he chases them down rabbit holes, so he’ll get some of those and about 12 months’ supply of treats. We’ve had so many people campaigning for Riley to win, from the local schoolchildren to family in America. He’s very popular and is being rewarded for all the work he does. He works very hard in the community and in agility training, so he deserves it."

Riley was rescued two-and-a-half years ago after being over-disciplined, but was in good physical health. He is registered with the charity Pets As Therapy, which sends out cats and dogs for comfort, companionship and help.

A favourite with residents of Shawside nursing home, near Shaw, he also visits youngsters at Kingfisher Community Special School and works with children with a phobia of dogs across the region through the NHS.

Karol said: "He’s always been good with people, although he didn’t get on with other dogs originally – but he does now. His patience is boundless and affection limitless. He lets the children cuddle, kiss, poke and push him. Having a phobia of dogs can be quite debilitating for children, stopping them from going out. They work their way up from smaller dogs, but can skip a few to Riley because he’s so gentle."