A LOVABLE lively Runcorn dog has won fans across the country after appearing on television.

Coco, a five-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, competed in Channel 4’s new series Superstar Dogs, presented by Torchwood star John Barrowman.

She has received hundreds of tweets after demonstrating her incredible speed, agility and obedience.

Her proud owner, John Dickinson, aged 58, said: “She is an absolutely fabulous dog.

“She swims like a fish and completed the challenges in an unbelievably fast time. She is very intelligent.”

Coco, who has achieved bronze, silver and gold good citizen awards for obedience plus countless rosettes and trophies, won a place in the semi final.

She competed in a range of fun activities including a penalty shoot out, swim and fetch, sprint ball and ‘dogstacle’ course Semi-retired printer John went on the show to dispel the myth that Staffordshires are aggressive.

He said: “The breed gets a bad name. Rescue centres have thousands of Staffordshires because people don’t want them.

“I’m no revolutionarie for the Staffie breed but Coco is a good ambassador.

“She’s a well-behaved. People watching the show have said: ‘Wow, what a good dog’.

“She’s got a great following on Twitter from all over the place.”

John has two other dogs, Captain Jack, a Jack Russell Terrier, and Harris, a cocker spaniel.

He is a long time supporter of The Dogs Trust and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and raises funds for both charities.

John added: “I have a passion for animals, dogs in particular, so I am hugely excited to be part of a sporting event for dogs and their owners that encourages teamwork, competitive spirit and a large dose of fun and laughter.

“The show was hilarious and John Barrowman is a really nice guy.”