When Jake Gill met Rigby, it changed his life.

The 11-year-old was diagnosed with autism at the age of seven and attends a special school.

Jake suffers with anxiety and struggles to cope in crowded places.

In an attempt to make their youngest son's life a little easier, parents Simon and Jo began researching different strategies which could help him cope.

The Carlisle family quickly discovered that dogs can help autistic children, and even tracked down a a company which specialises in training Labradors especially for disabled children.

It came at a price though and the Gills were unable to find the £5,000 needed to cover the costs.

Simon, 47, and Jo, 46, who also have a 14-year-old son, Ben, both served in the Royal Military Police between the late 1980s until 1997, largely based in Northern Ireland.

They got married in 1994, and left the forces three years later.

The couple turned to the Royal British Legion for help, and the charity covered the majority of costs to pay and train a puppy over the course of the summer.

The Gill family now have nine-month-old Rigby – named after a character in one of Jake’s favourite cartoons.

Simon, now an emergency medic, said: "Jake’s confidence has grown a lot since he first met Rigby back in February. We have made weekly visits to see him and Jake absolutely loves spending time with him.

"He normally doesn’t like to go out in crowded places but we are hoping that this will change when he can take Rigby out for walks.

"It’s little things like going to watch Ben play football – normally Jake wouldn’t do that but he’s keen to come along with Rigby now."

Simon continued: “We can’t thank the Legion enough for their support – even when our house was flooded at the start of the year, the team contacted us to see if we needed any help and put us in touch with the Cumbria Flood Association, so it’s nice to know how much they care for veterans and go above and beyond to support us.

“Rigby has only recently come to live with us and already he’s made a huge impact on Jake, they have a very strong bond.

"Rigby hasn’t just had an effect on Jake but the whole family – we are looking forward to spending lots more quality time together.”

The Gill family have spoken out, as the Royal British Legion launches its annual Poppy Appeal today.