Could this be the smallest hamster in the world? A Keighley pet shop owner thinks so.

Mandy Bower, of Mandy's Pet Pals, in South Street, has submitted the details of nine-week-old Peewee to the Guinness Book of Records.

According to Mandy, there is a record for the oldest and the biggest hamster, but not the smallest -- until now.

At just over an inch from head to tail, Peewee is one-fifth the size of his five brothers and sisters.

He stopped growing at three weeks and now, while his brothers and sisters are old enough to be sold at £4.50 each, Peewee is set to stay at the shop as mascot.

Mandy said: "I would have to have a pretty good offer for Peewee, especially if he turns out to be a record-breaker."

Mandy, who usually breeds rats, said Peewee is a product of only her fourth hamster litter.

She said: "Never in my life have I seen anything this small.

"Like a lot of runts, I didn't think he'd live, but he's tough and has held his own.

"I think he's had to learn to be quicker and more agile than his brothers and sisters."

She added: "For such a tiny thing, he eats like a pig and loves being the centre of attention."