RESIDENTS at Anzac House residential home in Devizes have become dependent on a special visitor that turns up regularly to cheer them.

Diezel, a five-year-old Patterdale terrier cross belonging to Jane Dennis from Lower Fyfield, near Marlborough, sparks a flurry of interest among the elderly residents.

He is a PAT dog and visits the home as part of the work of the charity Pets as Therapy (PAT).

Mrs Dennis said: "As soon as he comes through the door, they all shout, Diezel's here. Although many of them suffer with Alzheimer's, they remember the dog.

"If I was living there, I'd like someone to bring a dog in for me to pet.

"They can't have their own animals in the home so Diezel's visits are very important to them."

Mrs Dennis first contacted the PAT charity after hearing about it from an elderly women living in Lockeridge and she soon found Diezel in demand for his lively and affectionate manner.

Diezel came from Battersea Dogs Home in London. She said: "He had had five homes in 11 months. He's quietened down a bit now, but he is still as daffy as ever."

Dog owners interested in joining the PAT project should call 0870 240 1239.