THERE was lots of tea and cake on offer as residents in a Basingstoke care home thanked a volunteer for her hard work.

Residents at Marnel Lodge Care Home, in Carter Drive, Popley threw a farewell party for Ann Jackson and her dog Mia as they are leaving to move to Norfolk.

Ann is a volunteer for Canine Concern – an organisation which offers the sick and elderly a chance to have their spirits lifted by a friendly, loving dog on visits to hospitals, hospices and care homes, and she and Mia have visited the Popley care home once a week.

Residents thanked Ann by presenting her with a cake, card and a brooch as well as giving her a box of dog biscuits for Mia to enjoy.

Ann and Mia, who is four, have become a favourite with the residents during the two-and-a-half years that they have been visiting the home.

Ann told The Gazette: “The party was lovely. The visits have been lovely for the residents, especially if they had pets and can’t have them any more.

“I am trying to get more people to volunteer. It takes an hour-and-a-half out of your week. It is not big for volunteers but it is big for the residents and it gives them something to look forward to.”

Canine Concern is looking for volunteers to visit hospices and care homes in Basingstoke as currently there are no members covering the area.

To qualify, dogs should be friendly and outgoing, clean, healthy, well groomed and must have a calm temperament.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, contact Ann on 01256 470880 or visit the website at canineconcern.org.uk.