TV NATURALIST Chris Packham and partner Charlotte Corney have given a huge boost to a fundraising competition being run by the Isle of Wight’s RSPCA branch.

The Springwatch presenters, who founded The Wildheart Trust charity which runs the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary at Yaverland, have entered the RSPCA’s Home Pet Show by submitting a picture with their miniature poodles Sid and Nancy.

The couple have urged other animal lovers to enter the competition which is raising money to support animal welfare activity carried out at the centre on Bohemia Corner, Godshill.

The Home Pet Show is an event designed to showcase animals and the special bonds they share with their human companions.

Islanders are invited to submit photographs or video footage of their pets in one or more of six virtual categories, with local winners being put forward to regional finals of the national competition.

Chris said: "We are delighted to enter Sid and Nancy who are siblings aged just over two years.

“The work of the RSPCA is so important and never more so than during the pandemic when animal companionship proved so important to people's lives.

"We are delighted to be supporting the Home Pet Show and urge all animal lovers to get involved.”

Entries cost £2.50 each, with funds going to RSPCA Isle of Wight.

The Island heat will be judged by MP Bob Seely, Zebaria Fisher, lecturer from the Animal Care Department at the IW College and RSPCA IW branch manager, Suzanne Pugh.

Winners will be invited for refreshments and a VIP behind the scenes tour of the RSPCA IW animal rescue centre and will take home a goody bag filled with treats for pets and their humans.

Wightlink has donated travel vouchers for winners.

Further details are available on the RSPCA Isle of Wight Facebook page and entries can be made at www.rspca.org.uk/onefunday.

The closing date for entries is midnight on June 14.