A golden retriever who is both “loved and tolerated” by her neighbours has won a recent pet picture competition.

Megan, who is eight years old, was voted as having the best pose by Your London Guardian readers in celebration of April’s National Pet Month.

Lesly Baber, who lives in Chingford Hatch near New Road, has had Megan since she was a puppy at eight weeks old.

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Ms Baber said: “Meghan is very friendly can be a bit over friendly sometimes.

“Every time she meets someone, she thinks they are her best friends. She wants to jump up and lick them and be very over affectionate. She’s very loving indeed.”

This loveable nature has led to Megan being well known among Ms Baber’s neighbours.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: Megan relaxing at home. Picture: Lesley BaberMegan relaxing at home. Picture: Lesley Baber

She said: “She is loved and tolerated I should say.

“Some people get out of her way when she’s coming because they know they are going to be jumped on. But most people appreciate her.”

One neighbour in particular, a little boy named Max, has become a friend of Megan’s.

Ms Baber said: “He’s her best friend. She loves him.”

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: Megan. Picture: Lesley BaberMegan. Picture: Lesley Baber

Megan is also well-known for her dogged behaviour, said Ms Baber.

Ms Baber said: “She is stubborn and very strong willed.

“If she doesn’t want to do anything she will not do it.

“If we are out for a walk and she doesn’t want to go the way I want to she will just sit down and not move.

“She didn’t get on well at dog training because she didn’t want to do anything that was asked of her. She is in her own little world sometime.”

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: Megan's day at the beach. Picture: Lesley BaberMegan's day at the beach. Picture: Lesley Baber

Megan enjoys walking in the woods, swimming, playing with soft toys and walking around with them in her mouth, said Ms Baber.

For Ms Baber, Megan means the world to her. She said: “She can be frustrating, but I love her to bits. She is my best friend and companion.”

Ms Baber said she was “proud” when Megan won the competition.

She said: “I was proud of her because I love her and I want other people to like her too.”