THIS week we are launching a fantastic new competition searching for the prettiest pup, cutest cat or most handsome horse in Tameside.

The winner of Pet Idol 2008 — in association with big-name sponsor Pets At Home — will be entirely in your hands as we urge our readers to vote for the furry friend they would most like to see crowned as champion.

There are a range of fantastic prizes on offer from Pets At Home.

Running with our sister papers in the MEN Media group, the winners from each area will take home £150 worth of vouchers to spend in any Pets At Home store. There will also be vouchers worth £50 for runners-up.

The overall area winner will then be entered into a grand final for the chance to walk away with £500 worth of vouchers.

You are free to put forward any pet you own, be it a dog, cat, rabbit, horse or even a llama.

Simply supply us with a photograph and details of your pet, and then we'll invite our readers to vote for the cutest cuddly friend.

The competition starts next week and will run until the edition of 1 May, with the Advertiser area winner being revealed the following week, before going forward to the grand final.

We’ll accept entries online at www.tamesideadvertiser.co.uk/petidol, mms text (see codes below) or by post at 35-37 Booth Street, Ashton OL6 7LB.

There are also leaflets available in your local Pets At Home store, with all the entry details attached.

So it’s cameras at the ready and send us your favourite pet picture and have the chance to see your furry friend crowned Pet Idol 2008!

Text your photo and the following keyword to 07894 096535 - Keyword: PETIDOL2 (All entries charged at standard network rates).

NOTE: Voting ends at midnight on the morning of Friday 2 May - entries after this time will not be accepted but will still be charged for