A director has won a national competition for her film about her pet dog flying to space.

Rocket, the brainchild of Jennifer Sheridan, of Putney, won the hearts of the Virgin Media Shorts 2012 judges.

Actress and judge Julie Walters presented her with a £30,000 prize towards her next film at a star-studded ceremony at the BFI Southbank on Thursday.

The film was shot on a budget of less than £70.

Miss Sheridan said her biggest challenge was working with Bowie, who can get easily distracted.

The 28-year-old said: “The saying goes you should never work with animals or children, however on this occasion, working with my dog Bowie has captured the imagination of the judges and helped me win the grand prize.”