A DEDICATED dog, which helps to brighten-up the lives of the elderly and the sick, will be the star of the show on Animal Hospital.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Ellie and her owner, Sue Dawson, will be seen visiting patients at a private hospital and a residential home on the BBC show.

Eight-year-old Ellie is a fully trained "Pets As Therapy" dog and loves her monthly visits to see the young patients at the neuro-rehabilitation ward of Highbank Hospital in Ramsbottom.

The dog, who was adopted by RSPCA Regional Education Adviser Sue three years ago, also enjoys going to see the elderly residents at Pendle House nursing home in School Lane, Radcliffe, every week.

Owner Sue, aged 37, from Stoneclough, became involved with the PAT organisation after she was involved in a bad car accident in 1993 and her first rescue dog, Oliver, helped in her rehabilitation.

Sue trained Oliver to become a PAT dog, but he developed a progressive brain disease two and a half years ago and had to retire before dying last month.

She said: "Ellie loves people, she is gregarious and cannot get enough cuddles from the children and elderly residents she visits.

"The children at the hospital are full of smiles and laughter when they see Ellie which is magical."

Animal assisted therapy is becoming more popular throughout the country with the benefits having been researched scientifically and revealing that contact with animals lowers blood pressure and can help to reduce feelings of isolation and depression. Sue and Ellie will be seen on Animal Hospital on BBC1 on Thursday at 7pm.