Matt Rood is a Brighton-based professional dog trainer and walker who has recently been crowned Mr Gay England.

What is your favourite place in Sussex?

My favourite place is Devil’s Dyke. You can walk for hours there. It’s so peaceful and tranquil. My dogs love it too. Then on a Sunday after a nice dog walk you can take your dogs in to the pub at the top and enjoy a nice Sunday lunch.

What do you love most about living in Sussex?

I feel so proud to live here. It’s so culturally diverse. You can be anyone you want to be. Brighton is such a sociable city with a great choice of coffee shops, bars and restaurants.

What advice do you have for your 12-year-old self?

Smile in every room you walk in to. Don’t let anyone knock you down and be proud of who you are. Have lots of fun along the way.

What is your most valued possession?

My most valued possessions are

my dogs Lulu and Hugo – they’re are my world. I’d be totally lost without them.

All they want is to love you and

are happy every day. It’s a good motto in life.

What is your biggest regret?

I try not to have regrets as I always try

my best to keep moving forward. However maybe a certain relationship! But without that breakup I wouldn’t have found

myself again and be the person I am

today, so I suppose I’ve made it into a positive.

What is your biggest fear?

My biggest fear is sharks. I love swimming but if you asked me to swim in the ocean I’d be like no way. I think it’s because you can’t see what’s under the sea...so bad isn’t it.

What is your proudest achievement?

My proudest achievement must be winning Mr Gay England. I’m totally honoured to have won the title and can’t wait to see where this journey takes me, especially with my charity work.

Which five guests would you invite to your fantasy dinner party?

Marilyn Monroe, Whitney Houston,

Robbie Williams, Joan Rivers and

Ross Warswick