BOVEY Tracey's bravest pooch has been shortlisted for a top canine award.

Chloe, the faithful Cavalier King Charles spaniel was nominated for the doggie Oscar – The Golden Bonio award – after she kept vigil over her injured owner left stranded in Stover Park at nightfall.

Chloe's brave deed has seen her beat off stiff competition from more than 300 tales of bravery, companionship, survival, devotion and friendship to join 30 other top dogs in the national shortlist.

Now, it will be up for a celebrity judging panel to decide if Chloe can go walkies with the Golden Bonio Trophy and £1,000.

Owner Janet Baker said: 'I entered the competition that was on the back of a Bonio packet.

'I was very surprised because I did not expect it to go this far!'

Last October, Mrs Baker was taking Chloe for her usual walk in the country park when her frightening ordeal began.

The weather was atrocious with high winds and heavy rain. She had not planned to stay out long, but on her way back to her car, she lost her footing and snapped her ankle.

Unable to move, Mrs Baker was forced to rest on the wet, cold ground and wait for help.

Mrs Baker had walked off the beaten track and her mobile phone was in the car.

As darkness closed in the weather worsened, but faithful Chloe refused to leave her owner's side.

Mrs Baker said: 'The longer it got the more cold and frightened I became. Chloe cuddled right up to keep me warm.

'I was worried about falling asleep in the cold so, with Chloe on my lap, I kept myself awake by singing Christmas carols. We were both very cold and I was scared that we would not be found until the morning.'

When they did not return home, husband Keith raised the alarm. Police, dog handlers and the Dartmoor Rescue Group carried out a search of the park.

Though Mrs Baker was stranded for seven hours, she has not given up walking with Chloe: 'The ankle is fine now and I'm out walking again but I keep the mobile phone with me at all times.'