It all started with an Lsect update (see www.lsect.co.uk/updates.asp) in January where there was a reference to a local news story which included a quote from Geoff Hall. The story mentioned his dogs. Geoff sent me a picture of his two dogs, so it seemed obvious to create this competition.

Principals and CEOs were encouraged to email Lsect their pet pictures and names, and they have been posted on the Lsect website at www.lsect.co.uk/principals-pets.asp

To encourage participation an online vote was held for the cutest pet, with the prize being £200 in vouchers (preferably to be spent on learning materials).

In all, there have been more than 500 votes each for one of the 26 pet pictures.  The run-away winner with 28% of the votes is Karen Dobson, principal of Newcastle-under-Lyme College, with her 8 year-old golden retriever Lizzie. The vouchers are in the post, and as a thank you to all those that got into the spirit of this barking mad competition, Lsect has donated £200 to the Helena Kennedy Foundation (HKF). To find out more about this great charity, which supports FE learners progressing onto higher education, and even make your own donation, please visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Lsect-for-HKF