A NATIONWIDE search is underway for heroic pets and pet lovers with the Animal Planet Pet Awards.

Satellite TV channel Animal Planet is looking for domestic pets and dedicated owners who have proved themselves a cut above the rest.

The channel is inviting nominations for various categories, including smartest pet, best friend, bravest pet, working pet and wackiest pet or owner.

There are also categories for pet hero, young pet hero, school pet heroes, animal rescuers award and top vet.

Three owners and pet finalists will be selected in each category who will be filmed for a series of short programmes for broadcast on the channel in the run-up to the ceremony.

Winners in each category will be invited to attend the awards ceremony.

The holiday of a lifetime will be the prize for the overall champion of the Animal Planet Pet Awards, who will be chosen from the winners of the individual categories.

Planet Pet Awards will take place in August for broadcast on the channel on September 23.

To enter send your nominations to Animal Planet Pet Awards, PO Box 63, Witney DO, OX29 8HN or e-mail the channel at pet_awards@discovery-europe.com