Fats cats are invited to shed the pounds at a new fit camp for pets at a Croydon veterinary surgery.

Vets at the PDSA in South Croydon are urging owners who have overweight animals to enrol them in the 100-day pet fit camp before August 18.

Chunky cats, podgy pooches and rounded rabbits are among the animals expected to sign up for the programme, which includes an exercise plan and a specially-tailored diet devised by pet nutritionists.

During the programme, furry participants will be monitored by staff at PDSA's Pet Aid hospitals.

PDSA nurse Ann Radford, who works at the Hurst Road surgery, said: "Around one in four pets I see are overweight. I think people just don't realise being overweight can be just as unhealthy for their pets as it is for humans."

One pet expected to enrol in the fat camp is Chalky the cat (pictured) who, at nearly 10 kilos, is far heavier than the average cat weight of between three to five kilos.

Ms Radford added: "He's already lost a fair bit of weight on a diet and him and his owner have done really well. But he's got some way to go yet."

A panel of judges will select eight finalists from all over the country to take part in the weight-loss challenge.

At the end of the programme in December, the pet with the most significant weight-loss will be crowned PDSA Pet Fit Club champ, winning its family a pet-friendly break with Coastal Cottages of Pembrokeshire.

Pets not selected for the fit club will not waddle away empty handed, instead receiving a special leaflet featuring diet and fitness advice from the PDSA and vet Steve Leonard.

To enter your pet, pick up an entry form from the PDSA, log onto pdsa.org.uk/petfitclub or call 01952 204 748 before August 18.