Former Doctor Who actress Lalla Ward and her beloved canine have been shortlisted for a national award.

Ms Ward, 57, starred as Romana in the long-running science fiction series in the 1980s, looking after the famous computer-dog K-9.

Twenty years later, the actress, who lives near Oxford's University Parks, has her own exceptional canine, Pamba - a three-year-old Coton de Tulear - who has been selected from hundreds of applicants to appear in the final of the national Tails of Achievement awards.

Ms Ward, who is an illustrator and is married to the famous scientist Richard Dawkins, said: "I never thought Pamba would actually make it this far in the competition, but we are thrilled she has.

"She has an incurable disease contracted from proto- theca, a type of algae found in puddles, grass and ponds, which is extremely rare and is always fatal.

"But not only has she lived far longer than anyone dared hope, she also puts up with horrible treatment, while staying happy and cheerful. She really is a joy."

Prototheca enters the body through the mouth or nose and causes infection in the intestines.

The chances of a dog, cat or human catching it are so rare, Ms Ward knows of only one other canine sufferer in Britain and believes there are only 30 in the whole of Europe.

She said: "It really is awful. Dogs suffer terrible diarrhoea, often blindness and eventually organ failure, usually followed by death within a few months of diagnosis.

"But Pamba is a fighter. She has had this disease for two and half years, but she is not blind and she is very much alive. She is a heroine."

Pamba is one of only 15 dogs nationwide to reach the finals of the third annual James Wellbeloved & Association of Pet Dog Trainers Tails of Achievement Awards, which will be held at Newbury Race Course on September 13.

The finalists will compete for the top award and prizes including a weekend away at a dog-friendly hotel and specially-painted portrait.

Ms Ward said: "It's not important that Pamba wins. She is already a winner to me.

"I'm just so proud she has got this far.

"We are really looking forward to meeting other dogs and owners with great stories to tell."