A WIRRAL pub has been named as the fourth best dog-friendly pub in the North West.

The West Kirby Tap has been recognised in the third DogBuddy Dog-friendly Pub Awards for truly embracing 'paw power' for welcoming not just two but four-legged customers too.

Taking the number one spot was The Maltings in Warrington followed by The Caledonia in Liverpool, Sale's Jackson's Boat with The West Kirby Tap in firm fourth.

Many dog-lovers who voted for The West Kirby Tap took to the awards website to write a review.

One reviewer Sarah wrote: "Our rescue Eve sits in the raised area gazing at the dog treat jar on the bar counter willing people to fetch.

"She also drags us through the front door on a regular basis. She was honoured to be in their calendar one year. A great pub for humans too."

Others mentioned how the free dog pillows and organic biscuits kept their four-legged friends wanting to return.

Founder and chief executive of DogBuddy Richard Setterwall said: “For the third year running, DogBuddy – with the help of dog lovers up and down the country - has been searching for the best of the best when it comes to dog-friendly pubs, with The Maltings we’ve found just that.

"The superb service demonstrated shows a real consideration for dog welfare and happiness, which we at DogBuddy value above all.

"The whole DogBuddy pack is proud to congratulate The Maltings on winning the Dog-friendly Pub Award for the North West and hopes that the awards will inspire dog owners country-wide to discover and support their local pubs."

The top ten North West dog-friendly pubs:

1. The Maltings (Warrington)

2. The Caledonia (Liverpool)

3. Jackson’s Boat (Sale)

4. The West Kirby Tap (Wirral)

5. The Beer School (Bolton)

6. BrewDog (Liverpool)

7. The Bridge Pub and Dining (Sale)

8. The George & Dragon (Crewe)

9. The Plough and Flail (Knutsford)

10. The Keg & Kitchen (Grange-over-Sands)