Official - Steve is our Pet Idol winner! (From Gazette)

Official - Steve is our Pet Idol winner!

12:01pm Tuesday 22nd April 2008 in Local News

STEVE the cornsnake really charmed his way into the hearts of Gazette readers.

The 18-month old constrictor snake, which will grow to two feet long, has been voted winner of Gazette Pet Idol 2008 with 73 votes - 58 texts and 15 phone votes.

Runner-up was Joey the cocker spaniel, with 55 votes split into 44 phone votes and 11 texts.

Gazette readers were so taken with this year's Gazette Pet Idol entries that they lodged 767 votes altogether - 290 texts and 477 phone calls.

"I only entered Steve as a laugh to see if I could get his picture into the Gazette," said owner Sarah Austen of Ollivers Road, Clacton.

"I also thought it would be a change, because there are usually lots of cats and dogs in the competition. But I am really happy he has won."

Ms Austen reassured readers that there is nothing bionic about Steve and he wasn't named after Steve Austin the hero of the 1970s' American television cult classic The Six Million Dollar Man.

"He was named after Steve Irwin and Austin Stevens, also known as the Snakemaster," said Ms Austen. "I didn't realise the connection with Steve Austin until later!"

While Steve is a worthy winner, he would not respond well to a makeover. So while Ms Austen will receive hers, courtesy of sponsor Feathers Hair Salon in Colchester, Steve will have to be content with his picture once more gracing your favourite newspaper, plus a framed photograph taken by a Gazette photographer.

The pet makeover and microchipping, courtesy of sponsor Snoopies of Little Bentley, will go to runner up, 18-month-old Joey.

Joey's owner Jane O'Donnell, 17, of Wittonwood Road, Frinton, said: "Joey is so hyper and loves going to the beach and running into the sea.

"But then he likes snuggling up and relaxing too, so I reckon he will enjoy his makeover because he has been to a poodle parlour before and liked the grooming, wash and cut he had.

"I'm really chuffed that he has got this far and my mum and sister are really pleased."

Sarah and Jane think Pet Idol is the tops - but its success is down to you. So, can we take this opportunity to give a big thankyou to all owners who entered their pets for Gazette Pet Idol 2008 and to those readers who cast their votes.

l Don't forget your Gazette on May 1, when we show you just how glam Sarah Austen and Joey look after trips to Feathers and Snoopies.