Wilma the bulldog challenges her breed's reputation as the stern face of British determination and spirit, by giving a loving lick to a baby bird.

Norwich Evening News: Wilma the bulldog who starred in Richard Mace's photograph with a fledgling. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYWilma the bulldog who starred in Richard Mace's photograph with a fledgling. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: copyright: Archant 2014)

The 18-month-old dog was captured showing her soppy side by her owner Richard Mace in the family garden in Thorpe St Andrew.

A keen photographer, Mr Mace did not think he would get the shot, but had just enough time to take a few frames of the unlikely pair on his mobile phone.

'It was just one of those occasions where the bird landed, the bulldog was curious about it and the bird didn't move,' he said.

'You creep up and take the snap and, more often than not, when you get to it the objects disappear, but they managed to stay put.'

Norwich Evening News: Richard Mace with his bulldog, Wilma, who starred in his photograph with a fledgling. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYRichard Mace with his bulldog, Wilma, who starred in his photograph with a fledgling. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: copyright: Archant 2014)

Mr Mace said it was the first time Wilma had made a feathered friend and that the bird flew off just after the photographs were taken.

He added he thought the fledgling was a robin, but was not sure.

Mr Mace and his wife Maxine have five bulldogs. They show the dogs and sometimes breed them, and one of their other bulldogs has been a cover star on a magazine.

'They are such good-natured animals, they are all very friendly,' he said.

'You cannot worry about them hurting anything.'

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