Hundreds of dogs and cats are fighting for the prestigious title of Pet Idol 2005, with rabbits and horses also determined to make it to the winner's enclosure.

Applications are being encouraged from snakes, monkeys, rats and spiders as they are currently not represented in the competition.

Following enormous success of the launch of the Pet Idol competition last year, the Globe is once again searching for those pets that simply ooze star quality.

The contest is open to all pets, including chimps, stick insects, fish and ferrets.

The overall winner will not only have the honour of being crowned Pet Idol, but will also receive hundreds of pounds worth of prizes.

There are also several runners-up prizes for the pets that just miss out on the coveted title.

Last year's Pet Idol, Anna, a Persian cat from Wallasey, has thoroughly enjoyed her celebrity status after winning the competition and is hoping to embark on a career in media and TV work. So if your pet has got the looks, the charisma and that certain 'je ne sais quoi' to be crowned Pet Idol 2005, then we want to hear from you.

All you have to do to enter the competition is send a picture of your pet to: Pet Idol 2005, Wirral Globe, Haymarket Court, Hinson Street, Birkenhead, CH41 5BX. Please remember to include your name, address, telephone number and your pet's name on the back of the picture. If you prefer to email the picture, please send it to clawler@wirral-globe.co.uk including you and your pet's details. Include an SAE if you would like the photograph to be returned. The pets will appear in a Globe supplement and then it will be down to readers to vote for their favourite pet.