A VERY good boy has brought joy to the residents of a town hospice as he works as a specially trained therapy dog.

Otis, the nine-year-old Labradoodle, has been bringing his fluffy charm to St Mary's Hospice in Ulverston along with his owner, John Battersby.

Otis, a pets as therapy (PAT) dog, spends time with residents of the hospice and their families, helping ease any anxiety or fears they have, as well as brightening up everyone's mood with his playful nature.

Mr Battersby, 65, of Ulverston, said: "The reason he became a PAT dog is because he has always had a wonderful demeanour. My wife was on Facebook about three years ago and discovered a page that was about a hospital dog. She saw it and said Otis would make a great PAT dog."

From that the journey of Otis began. Mr Battersby began the specialist training and registration for his dog.

His involvement with St Mary's came purely by chance as Mr Battersby often walked his dog with the husband of the hospice's chief executive.

Presented with an opportunity the pet and his master embarked on a new adventure.

He said: "I was really nervous about going up to the hospice. I was very apprehensive but the hospice is a fantastic institution. Everyone loved Otis so we now go up every Wednesday. He loves it getting lots of attention and I find it very rewarding."

The PAT animal scheme was first set up in 1983 as a way of enhancing health and wellbeing in communities. Its network now branches across the entire country, with thousands of trained animals visiting hospitals, hospices and other organisations to provide support.

Sarah Simpson, marketing manager for the hospice, said: "I have seen first-hand the absolute happiness that Otis brings when he bounds in. Just patting Otis brings calm and comfort. He is such a lovely gentle presence and definitely lifts spirits. Otis is an absolute star and we can’t thank John enough for taking the time and trouble to bring Otis in.

If you would like to enquire about your animal becoming a PAT trained find out more by visiting the PAT website at www.petsastherapy.org.