The time has come for judges to crown this year’s winner from the hilarious entries making up the 2020 Comedy Pet Photo Awards shortlist.
If anything’s going to add a touch of humour to what has so far been a year of gloom, this is it.
There were more than 2,000 entries from 81 different countries for this year’s contest – which is in its second year and is sponsored by MARS PETCARE – and 40 finalists have now been chosen to go head to head and vie for the top photography title.
The winner of the contest will take home a grand prize of £3,000.
According to the Comedy Pet Photo Awards website, the 40 entries this year are “an absolute hoot”.
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They include everything from “a goat chilling in his hammock, to dancing cats and gossiping horses” and the shortlist is described as “a positive smorgasbord of your amazing, lovable and funny pets”.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFuRnf2n0fg/
Wildlife television presenter Kate Humble is among the judges, along with competition founders Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam, Mars Petcare and animal welfare charity Blue Cross.
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The awards are intended to raise awareness for homeless pets in the UK, with 10% of entry fees donated to Blue Cross.
Founded in 1897, Blue Cross helps to make a serious difference to the welfare of pets in the UK. It really understands how much pets mean to owners, how much joy they can bring, and how much better they make us feel, especially during difficult times.
Speaking on this year’s shortlist, Tom Sullam said: “The entries this year have been completely and utterly what we needed to raise our spirits in 2020.
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“It has been a tough year for many, but these images have not only made us laugh out loud, but also re-affirmed our desire to drastically reduce animal cruelty and pet orphanage.”
Fancy seeing a few more of this year’s hilarious entries then?
If you want to check out the full list of the 40 finalists whilst it’s in the hands of the judges, then you can head on over to the Comedy Pet Photo Awards website here.
The winner of the 2020 Comedy Pet Photo Awards will be announced on 24th November.
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Bury actress Kate O’Flynn wins big at 2026 Emmys with record-breaking comedy show
Emily Sergeant
Did you know that one of the big winners at the 2026 Emmy Awards last night was actually an actress from Bury?
In case it wasn’t on your radar, American television‘s biggest night, the Emmys, took place yesterday evening over in Los Angeles, and several records were broken in the process – including Apple TV’s comedy horror Widow’s Bay taking home the most Emmys ever for a single series of a comedy show, with 14 of them.
Widow’s Bay tells the story of mayor Tom Loftis, played by Welsh actor Matthew Rhys, who is trying to boost tourism on his rugged New England island, but must navigate several strange events that suggest it might be cursed.
Created by Katie Dippold, and executive produced and directed by Hiro Murai, Widow’s Bay was released in late April to widespread critical acclaim.
At the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards last night, the show scooped a record 14 awards, including for Outstanding Comedy Series, several acting wins, and wins for directing and writing too.
One of those acting wins was Kate O’Flynn for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series – an actress who hails from the Greater Manchester town of Bury.
Kate stars as Patricia Moyer, mayor Tom’s eccentric assistant in the show.
She grew up in Holcombe Brook near Ramsbottom, and was educated at Bury Grammar School, before she went on to train at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Acting in 2006.
Taking to the stage to accept her award last night, Kate said in her speech: “I want to thank our mayor [Matthew Rhys] and all the residents of Widow’s Bay, in front and behind the camera – you’re amazing. This is the role of a lifetime, thank you Katie and Hiro for trusting a Lancashire lass to play a sassy broad like Patricia. And thank you Apple [TV] for saying yes.
“Thank you Nicky and Tony for looking after me, my family back home, my mum and dad, and the loves of my life, my husband and our darling daughter – another sassy broad in the making.
“This is for all the Patricias out there, see you at Sunset Cocktails to celebrate. Thank you.”
Featured Image – The Television Academy (via YouTube)
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M&S launches new Too Good To Go partnership – with NINE Greater Manchester stores signed up
Emily Sergeant
M&S has finally decided to partner with food waste charity, Too Good To Go.
As of yesterday, a total of 350 M&S stores across the UK – including nine major sites in Greater Manchester – now offer new Too Good To Go ‘Surprise Bags’ that are made up of surplus bakery goodies, giving customers the chance to collect quality food at a reduced price at the end of the day directly from in-store bakeries.
The launch follows a trial in a select number of UK stores, and the Surprise Bags will include bakery treats such as pastries, cookies, and fresh bread.
The partnership with Too Good To Go is the latest move in M&S Food’s work to reduce surplus food and ensure good food doesn’t go to waste.
Greater Manchester stores that will be taking part in the new Too Good To Go partnership include Manchester Market Street, Trafford Centre, Stockport, Spinningfields, Prestwich, Wigan Robin, Bolton Middlebrook, Bury The Rock, and Ashton Moss.
Each of the Surprise Bags will include three to four bakery products to a minimum retail price of £10.20 for just £3.80.
Available Monday to Saturday, customers can order their Surprise Bags through the Too Good To Go app, and collect them one hour before their local store closes.
“It’s great to be involved in this new launch with Too Good To Go to help reduce food waste,” commented Chris Parker, who is the Store Manager at M&S Bolton Middlebrook.
“Our in-store bakeries are incredibly popular with customers, and at the end of the day, customers will now be able to order and collect surprise bags offering fantastic surplus bakery products at great value.
“By finding new ways to re-purpose surplus products, we’re helping ensure more food is enjoyed rather than wasted. This partnership is another positive step towards reaching our goal of halving food waste by 2030.”
Emily Sergeant -
30th September 2020 
