A ONE-EYED dog that made a remarkable journey from Mexico to Bury has delighted his owner by winning a talent contest.

Milo embarked on a 5,400 mile journey from the streets of Playa Del Carmen through Canada, France, Switzerland and Belgium before settling into his new loving home in Bury.

His owner Barbara Healey, has spoken of her delight after he took home the best veteran title at the annual RSPCA dog show at Moses Gate Country Park, in Bolton, on Sunday.

The Labrador Dalmatian, who lost his eye earlier this year after a tumour was removed, also came second in the classes for best rescued dog and overall champion.

He came to live with his owner, Ms Healey, 64, of Ettington Close, Bury, in November 2013.

She said: “I am delighted. I saw a leaflet at Beech House Surgery in Farnworth about the dog show and thought why not go down and see what it’s all about.

"I never expected Milo to win anything — it was brilliant. My niece, Elizabeth Ynez Tulsen, rescued him in Mexico in 2012 after seeing him on the streets. He was thin in a bad condition with ticks and fleas.

“She will be thrilled by the news and it’s only because of her that our old soldier has done so well.”

Former Bury resident, Ms Ynez Tulsen, who has been living in Playa Del Carmen in Mexico since 2012, said: “I first saw Milo begging for food on the streets in December 2012. He looked thin, terribly sad and in poor condition, infested with ticks and fleas. We later discovered he was also carrying a tropical disease called ehrlicia.

“The locals said he had no owner and I really had no intention of getting a dog but there was nothing to be done but take him home, with the intention of fostering him until a place could be found at one of the few voluntary dog shelters here.

“Needless to say, I failed miserably and fell completely in love with Milo's sweet and easy nature.

“Within a few months we were off on our travels again, first to Canada and then to France, Switzerland and Belgium, where I was on a summer busking tour.

“I soon needed to return to Mexico but to fly him back with me was going to be extremely expensive, in the region of £2,000.

“It was then that my aunty first met Milo - and it was love at first sight. Having never had a dog before, she generously offered to foster him and then later adopted him fully.

“Despite a few recent health issues, including the removal of his left eye, he is thriving in his new home where he lives like a king.

“I am very proud of him and not at all surprised at his dog show success. Milo is a lucky boy indeed."

She added: “I would encourage everybody to ‘adopt, don't shop'. There are literally thousands of beautiful animals all waiting for their forever homes in rescue centres and can say without a doubt that they make the best friends you could ever ask for.”