Meet collie Barny, the endearing character behind an innovative advertising drive launched by a well-known Cumbrian insurance company.

During the summer, a competition was launched at agricultural shows to find a name for the sheepdog which fronts a campaign initiated by leading rural and agricultural insurance brokers, H&H Insurance Brokers.

Over 500 entries were received, with more than 100 names suggested with Barny emerging as office favourite.

Millie and Oscar came in second and third place respectively.

Nina Oxley, marketing manager for H&H Insurance Brokers, said: “While the more traditional names such as Patch, Bess and Fly were still suggested, what was interesting is that more modern names such as Ziggy, Guss, Hunter, Cleo, Zeus and even Rainbow Dash are now on trend.

“Name the collie dog is part of a multi-faceted national award-winning marketing initiative, launched earlier this year.

"Barny is the main character in most of the illustrations, and going forward through digital campaigns, he will offer support, assistance and relevant insurance advice.

“The Border collie, the word “collie” meaning “useful” in Gaelic, is a breed which is invaluable to many farmers and to many of our customers.

"Considered to be the world’s premier sheep herding dog, Border Collies have worked with and helped shepherds around the border area of England and Scotland for hundreds of years, so we felt that choosing a collie for our campaign really was truly fitting.”