THE resident dog of a Fordingbridge pub has caused a storm on social media - becoming a celebrity not just in his home town.

Master Alan, a golden retriever, will be a familiar face to many of the regulars at The George on Bridge Street. However his fame has reached new heights after appearing on Good Morning Britain.

Caroline Roylance, who runs the pub, was interviewed by Jonathan Swain about the impact on the hospitality industry with the Omicron Covid variant but the adorable pooch ended up stealing the show.

He showed of his breakdancing moves.

During the show, Master Alan's Instagram page was also mentioned, which had 108 followers, but this soon skyrocketed.

Presenter Richard Bacon said: "I'm am going to really enjoy this until Alan has more Instagram followers than me."

He then set a target of getting Alan more than 50,000 followers by the end of the show. He ended up reaching 60,000.

The popular canine has been sent lots of gifts, including harnesses and treats, from fans and has been helping the pub with bookings - with people coming especially to see him.

Caroline, who has been helping Master Alan with his social media, said: "He's always been like Fordingbridge famous."

She said that on the evening after the airing of the show on December 22 went out they had 12 people who had come out to see Alan and since they've had others drive up from London.

"He loves meeting people," added Caroline, who says they have received so many lovely messages of support.

"It's been really nice to see people excited to see him and meet him."

But she says Master Alan is not letting the fame go to his head and said: "We're not letting fame change him. He is the same down to earth dog he has always been."

Master Alan, who is now eight, has been a regular visitor at the pub since he was a puppy but came to live there around four years ago after his owner's circumstances changed and they had to move away.

 

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