A CARLISLE woman received an unexpected surprise in her morning post last week.

Michelle Lynam opened a parcel to uncover a glass award, engraved with her name to commemorate ten years of volunteering with nationwide charity Canine Concern.

The charity, which formed in 1988, has a team of nearly 400 volunteers from across the country who regularly visit the sick, lonely and elderly by bringing their dogs to homes and hospitals.

According to research by the charity, allowing animals, especially dogs, into hospitals brings comfort to long-stay patients and those vulnerable to loneliness and depression.

Reacting to her award, Michelle said: "I am both delighted and shocked to receive this from Canine Concern.

"I wasn't expecting to be opening this in the post.

"I first found about this at a charity fair over 10 years ago, and have thoroughly enjoyed my time helping out.

"It acts like a type of therapy for me, as well as those who the dogs visit."

The 47-year-old is one of two volunteers in Cumbria, with another person based in the west of the county.

Valerie Fillery, chief executive officer of Canine Concern, said: "Michelle has been visiting for 10 years with her dogs and has made many local people much happier.

"She started in February 2008 with her two dogs Finbarr and Brier. Studies have shown it can help with stress, confidence as well as general well being.

"Our members have been very loyal to us, with six members visiting for over 20 years, with their different dogs.

"We also have 18 members having visited for over 10 years.

"Every year at our AGM we thank all our members who have been with us visiting people with their dogs for over three years.

"We give glass awards and certificates to anyone reaching their three, five, 10, 15 and 20 year landmarks.

"We also give several awards to say thank you to our members who have given that extra effort to help either the charity or the people they visit. We feel, as volunteers, they should be appreciated not just once a year, but throughout the year.

"We hear some lovely stories of children learning to read whilst stroking a dog and gaining confidence in themselves.

"We also hear about the elderly who might not have spoken or reacted for ages, brighten up and even talk when ‘their dog’ arrives.

"We don’t ask for any money for the visits, but often find places will send donations to the head office, so that we can keep the charity visiting needy people around the country."

The charity are looking for people in Cumbria who have an hour to spare each week or fortnight, to volunteer.

All dogs are fully assessed by a qualified handler as to their suitability to visit establishments before being allowing to join.

Anyone interested in finding out more can go online to: www.canineconcern.co.uk