A Hexham dog charity has been presented with a Points of Light award from Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Wag and Company, which is based in Hexham and is the only dog befriending charity in the UK, was presented the award from 10 Downing Street by MP Guy Opperman and Councillor Cath Homer on Friday, after originally receiving the award in October 2020.

The charity uses ‘friendship dogs’ to combat loneliness in elderly people across the region, with volunteers signing up and taking their pets to visit friends in their homes, sheltered housing, and care homes.

Diane Morton, who founded Wag and Company with her husband Doug in May 2016, said: “We have more than 400 points of light, and I’m absolutely honoured to accept this award on their behalf.”

“It’s really fantastic that the important difference Wag volunteers have been making every day since the pandemic began to older people right across our region, has been recognised this way.”

The Points of Light awards recognise outstanding individual volunteers and people who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.

In a personal letter to Diane, PM Boris Johnson said: “I was inspired to hear how you have harnessed hundreds of dogs to provide companionship for more than 3,000 elderly people across the North East.

“Your “Wag Teams” have accomplished a staggering 70,000 befriending visits and I am delighted that in this period where we have been fighting Coronavirus you have continued to provide comfort to so many through virtual visits.”

Tonia Sewell’s and her five-year-old spaniel Belle have been signed up as volunteers with Wag and Co for over three years. Tonia said: “We visit a lady in sheltered housing in Corbridge and we have not been able to go due to the pandemic and we’ve really missed it.

“We can’t wait to go back and see her - Ivy enjoys it so much!”

Linda Green has also been registered as a volunteer with Wag and Company for around three years, along with her dog Ollie. She said: “It’s such a rewarding thing to do, so worthwhile.

“We started off going to residential homes in Hexham, but now we go to ward 4 at Hexham General Hospital.

“The patients love him, and he loves them back!”

Belle and Ollie’s visits count toward the total of more than 75,000 which have taken place since the charity was established five years ago.

Guy Opperman, who presented the award to Diane in a short ceremony at the charity’s office on Friday, said: “I think Wag and Co is incredible, and it’s the first ever Hexham constituent to get a Points of Light award.”

“Through my own personal experience, I have seen the massive impact that a dog can have on physical and mental health and wellbeing.”

“Wag and Co is a very, very special charity and I would encourage everybody to support them in every what that you can.”

Diane hopes that once Coronavirus restrictions Lift, Wag and Co can recruit more volunteers to hit its target of 500.