Swaffham has some of the fattest dogs in Britain, according to a new survey.

The study by pets supplies company, Pets at Home, concludes that the average dog in Swaffham weighs 41pc more than it ought to.

It found that a fifth of Britain's dogs are overweight, with Swinton in Yorkshire having the heaviest canines in the whole country, where the average dog is 48pc over its healthy weight.

The study involved over half a million weigh-ins across the UK and shows the average British dog weighs 22pc more than it should.

It says dogs are too often treated to foods like chocolate and cheese, which can be detrimental to their health.

Being overweight can lead to damage to joints, bones and ligaments as well as breathing problems.

In the worst cases, it can cut a dog's life short.

Closest to the ideal weight is County Durham's Consett, where dogs are just 0.99% overweight.

The towns where dogs are most overweight are:

:: Swinton, 48pc (over their healthy weight)

:: Edgware, Dundee and Beckton, 47pc.

:: Ferndale, Hounslow and Greenock, 46pc.

:: Faringdon, Dovercourt, Cliftonville, 45pc.

:: Blackwood, Hainault and Bidford on Avon, 44pc.

:: Bletchley, Penarth, Chinnor, Caddington, Seaford, 43pc.

:: Barton upon Humber, Branksome and Brentford, 43pc.

:: Cheshunt, Kilwinning, 42pc.

:: Welshpool, Biddenden, Livingston and Swaffham, 41pc.

:: Droylesden, Todmorden, Radlett, 40.5pc.