Tributes paid to chef's dead dog

Rick Stein's shows often featured Chalky

A House of Commons motion has been tabled to remember the dog of celebrity chef Rick Stein.

Chalky the Jack Russell, who was 17, died on 13 January. He became well-known through his appearances on Cornish chef Stein's television series.

Tory MP Andrew Pelling for Croydon Central tabled the motion saying Chalky was a character that would be missed.

He tabled a motion to reflect the "heartache and distress" that families can feel when losing a pet.

Mr Pelling said: "Pets can be like one of the family and a lot of animal lovers will sympathise with Rick Stein losing his pet."

Mr Stein said his dog was loved by everyone.

He said that Chalky had always been the family dog who was loved by his children, and was healthy right up until the last six months of his life.

The dog's antics included biting a microphone, attacking crabs and jumping onto boats.