Top 10 of 2016: Our favourite animal stories of the year
We've had a thoroughly enjoyable hunt through the ITV News Central 2016 archives - and here are our Top 10 favourite animal stories of the year.
Oscar the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel from Wolverhampton was morbidly obese just six months ago after weeks of comfort eating following the death of his owner.
The 10-year-old hit a whopping 3st 6lb - 80% over his ideal weight. He won PDSA's pet slimmer of the year, after hitting 2st 1lb, beating off stiff competition from other dogs and a rabbit named Pebbles.
- Ralph the Boxer's bucket list adventure
Ralph the Boxer dog from Telford, was given just a few weeks to live after being diagnosed with an incurable cancer.
In response to his saddening prognosis, his owners compiled a bucket list of exciting events and experiences for him to enjoy.
- Britain's unluckiest rescue dog finally gets a new home
Greyhound cross 'Bud' was Battersea Dogs & Cats Home's longest staying resident after being overlooked hundreds of times in favour of other animals.
But he was finally adopted this year by Ian Corns from Kingswinford.
- Autistic girl's cat helps her overcome fear of water
A heartwarming video has revealed the remarkable bond between an autistic girl and her cat.
Six-year-old Iris Grace Halmshaw bathes, plays and sleeps with her cat Thula. The Maine Coon has helped Iris come out of her shell and overcome her fear of water.
- Farmer uses hairdryer to save new born lamb
Click to watch the heart-warming moment a farmer in Northamptonshire saved a newborn lamb which was found in a water trough by heating it up with his wife's hairdryer.
- Seagull turns bright orange after falling into vat of curry
A bird has earned the nickname Gullfrazie after turning bright orange when he plunged into a vat of chicken tikka masala.
The seagull fell into a container of curry while trying to scavenge meat from a food factory bin.
- Cat missing for nine months found 150 miles from home
A cat who disappeared from his home nine month previously in Nottinghamshire was found 150 miles away in Hounslow.
A hen has somehow managed to lay an egg that’s four times the average size - to the amazement of her owner.
Alison Savidge discovered the egg in her pet chicken BB's nesting place, by their home in Turves near Peterborough.
- Dog brings home tiny tortoise
A dog owner from Tipton in Sandwell got a shock when his dog brought a tiny tortoise into the house.
- Child finds snake in car on motorway
A family were forced to pull over on the M5 in Worcestershire after their child found a 5ft snake in their car.
Officers from the Central Motorway Police Group attended what they thought was a routine vehicle breakdown on the hard shoulder only to discover the snake inside.