DUDLEY the three-egged dog has been voted in as the new CEO – chief canine executive officer – of Clarks Village, in Street.

The adorable and inspiring Hungarian Vizsla has been crowned the winner of the outlet centre’s Pawsome Pooch competition.

Five-year-old Dudley will now act as canine ambassador for the dog-friendly Somerset shopping outlet.

Across a special awesome Pooch weekend, thousands of owners and their beloved pets visited Clarks Village to enjoy free professional pet photo shoots, pampering by groomer Kelly Davies, agility and trick sessions, pawtraits by illustrator Alan Snow and displays by the Guide Dogs.

A total of 175 dogs entered the official Pawsome Pooch contest, with judges shortlisting 10 to be put to public vote.

After more than 1,000 people voted, three-legged Dudley was announced the winner.

Dudley, who has his own Instagram account – @dudley_thetripawd_vizsla – lives with owners Kareen and Martin Higgins in Street along with their 23-year-old son Jack and poodle Max.

“Dudley was rescued from a breeder by local rescue, Paws4Thought, as he was born with a deformed leg,” said Kareen. “As a dog foster family, we took him in and after having tests during the first week, the vet determined the best outcome for his leg was amputation.

“We picked him up that night and decided straight away he would never leave us. I cradled him in the back of the car and he just felt like mine; it was instant.”

The family lives just two minutes from Clarks Village and are regular visitors.

Kareen’s history with the centre dates back to the outlet’s opening day in 1993, when she was a store manager of the former Alexon & Dash.

She has since been a full-time carer for son Jack who has Down’s Syndrome.

“Jack, my son, and dog Dudley are best friends. Max is Jack’s medical assistance dog who does a fantastic job but there is a relationship between Jack and Dudley which I just can’t explain – what they have is extraordinary,” she said.

“I reflect on how I’ve got a young man with Down’s Syndrome and a dog with a missing leg and they both make me so proud as they don’t let their disabilities stop them. Dudley is a good advocate for dogs with disabilities.

“He is such a character and he’s utterly fearless and unstoppable; he climbs, hikes and does everything a four-legged dog would do – it’s not held him back for a second.

“I’ve always wanted to hold Dudley up as an example of what a dog with disabilities can do and he’s the best example of that.

“We’re really honoured Dudley is going to represent Clarks Village. It’s an incredible place and such a good example of how to make somewhere dog friendly and safe, we love it.”

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Dudley will be officially crowned as Clarks Village’s new Canine Executive Officer later this month, in charge of all things dog related at the outlet as well as winning a prize package worth over £500 for the family – including an overnight dog spa package at the dog-friendly Montigo Resorts Hotel.

Chris Davis, centre director, said: “Pawsome Pooch was a fantastic event to celebrate all the dogs that visit us here at Clarks Village.

“There were some wonderful entries shortlisted in the competition but Dudley stood out as a very special dog and it’s clear from the votes that our guests agree. We can’t wait to welcome him as Clarks Village’s official dog ambassador.”