A WOMAN and her dog have taken part in an event to promote pet therapy and make people aware of the benefits of the scheme.

Amy Bright-Smith, a support worker from Advance Housing and Support, and her therapy dog Archie, spent the weekend fundraising for charity.

Miss Bright-Smith, from Droitwich, took part in the Worcestershire Pet Therapy display over the weekend at Webbs Garden Centre, in Droitwich.

The pair had a stall with a team of dogs and their owners to help make people aware of pet therapy and how it can make a difference to people's lives.

Miss Bright-Smith and Archie raised £637.51 for Therapy Dogs Nationwide, which is a charity where visiting volunteers take their own dogs into establishments to give comfort, distraction, and stimulation to individuals.

Archie, who was originally fostered by Miss Bright-Smith four years ago, stolen her heart and decided to give him a permanent home.

Last year Miss Bright-Smith, aged 39, registered Archie with Therapy Dogs Nationwide, and since then has been able to take him into work to spend time with customers.

He has recently won a Good Citizen award at the Crufts Dog Show. Archie passed his Bronze award at the event, in front of almost 400 people.

She added: “Archie is so calm, and our customers love him and look forward to his visits, he makes everyone feel relaxed.”

For more information visit www.tdn.org.uk/