Puppy is the prize in Putin picture contest

MOSCOW, Oct 7 (Reuters) Children from across Russia have imagined President Vladimir Putin releasing doves from a hilltop, relaxing by the fireside or on holiday in the Black Sea in pictures drawn to celebrate his 54th birthday today.

And with the prize of a puppy bred from the line of Putin's beloved black Labrador Koni up for grabs in the ''Children draw Putin'' competition, many of the paintings on show in a Moscow gallery featured the pet.

''I love Russia!'' proclaimed one picture, with Putin shown releasing the doves.

The president, a black belt in judo, was also depicted in fighting garb, fixing the engine of his car or holidaying in the Black Sea resort of Sochi.

Some took a more worldly line -- with one showing the president, also sporting his black belt, fighting the four evils of crime, corruption, inflation and drug abuse, against a backdrop of the map of Russia.

Several hundred children from across the country took part in the contest, organised by the private Express newspaper, and the top 100 paintings were picked to go on display in the capital. The winner will be chosen in two weeks.

REUTERS KD PM1837