PRESTWICH pooch, Barnie the Bichon Frise, proved he was a real survivor after an accident left him badly burned and needing round-the-clock medical attention.

The cute canine literally landed himself in hot water when a game with his favourite toy ended in an emergency trip to the vet.

Barnie, who lives with his owner Tally Bookbinder on Fairway, suffered severe burns to his body and legs after he jumped straight into a scalding hot bath while chasing his bouncy toy rabbit.

Now the lovable pet has gone on to scoop a top award for his brave and speedy recovery, as well as becoming a popular patient at Mr Regan's surgery at the Park Veterinary Clinic on Bury Old Road.

Crowned as the regional PDSA-Frontline Pet Survivor of the Year, Barnie is through to the national finals near Warwick on September 14, which is a date his faithful "mum" never thought he would see.

Make-up artist Tally (32) said: "I thought I would have to have Barnie put down because of the extent of his injuries. When it happened I heard him scream. It was awful, but Barnie remained calm." Although Tally (pictured with Barnie) immediately plunged her pet straight into cold water he had already sustained second and third degree burns to his stomach and legs.

Once a model for a leading supermarket chain, poor Barnie, who is now three years old, had lost clumps of his fur in the accident and was in constant discomfort.

Staff at the surgery swathed him in bandages, and a "babygro" for extra protection, and he embarked on a lengthy treatment programme of aromatherapy oils and creams, with daily dressing changes.

Six months on and brave Barnie is back to his usual mischievous self: and fortunately his experience has not put him off taking a bath!

Tally, who is full of praise for the veterinary staff, added: "They were all so patient: Barnie would not have recovered without their help."