Here comes Santa Claws - meet Mac the parrot as he is crowned the winner of our festive pet competition

The public has spoken and it’s African grey parrot Mac taking the crown as this year’s Santa Paws winner.

We launched our bid for your festive pet pictures in December – and you came in your dozens bearing cats, dogs and everything in between in their Christmas finery.

The entries were narrowed down to 10, with the pretty parrot coming out on top.

Mac’s owner Allison St Clair, of South Shields, has been celebrating her boy’s win.

She said: “It’s so nice, as much as I love all animals, because Mac has done it for the birds.

“Not one day has gone by in all of these years when he hasn’t made me laugh until I have cried.”

The 22-year-old parrot has lived with Allison since he was 10 weeks old; a life-long friendship which has seen Mac pick up some amusing habits.

Some of the bonny bird’s hobbies include singing, making animal noises and cheering on his football team – Newcastle United – on the television.

Allison, 47, also spoke of her pride that Mac had taken the crown on behalf of all the “little pets” – with this year's shortlist featuring Teddy the hamster and Clive the tortoise.

She added: “He's expensive to keep but worth every penny – he’s just so funny and excellent company.”

“We are absolutely over the moon.”

More than 550 people took part in our Santa Paws top 10 poll, with Mac taking 49% of the vote.