Evesham has the largest number XL Bullies in Worcestershire

The data released by The Spectator showed that Evesham and the surrounding area had more successful exemption applications than anywhere else in the county.

The dog breed was officially banned earlier this year in February after exemption applications closed. 

The data, presented by postcode, has been revealed by The Spectator following a series of freedom of information requests.

It is now illegal to breed, rehome or own an XL Bully in the UK without an exemption. 

WR11 which covers a large area of the Worcestershire countryside and Evesham was at the top of the list. 

The postcode hosts 32 XL Bullies.

John Clatworthy, deputy mayor at Evesham Town Council, said: "The numbers are quite surprising to be honest. 

"Before recent cases I wasn't even sure what an XL Bully even was. 

"If people have them under control then that's their choice. 

"As you know there is now legislation and if people conform hopefully no more incidents will occur. 

"I think in one of the more recent cases it was actually the owner who was attacked, it's all down to the individual."

XL Bullies are the largest breed of the American Bully and can weigh more than nine stone.  

The dogs were added to the list of banned dogs under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 earlier this year in February.

Approved exemption applications in Worcestershire, by postcode, are as follows:

-WR1: <10

-WR2: 22

-WR3: 14

-WR4: 22

-WR5: 27

-WR6: <10

-WR7: <10

-WR8: <10

-WR9: 25

-WR10: 10 

-WR11: 32 

-WR12: <10

-WR13: <10

-WR14: 29

-WR15: <10

Amie Jones, operations manager at Worcestershire Animal Rescue Centre said: "We cover quite a large area and before the ban we had a lot more relinquish forms from Birmingham, but we did have one or two from Worcester. 

"When they were being banned we had a lot of talks for advice, rehoming and exemptions.

"We haven't seen any since the ban as it's obviously illegal to rehome them and we can't legally take them in."