AT Crufts recently Monmouth resident Mavis Jenkins’ and her two dogs Matilda and Gertie were awarded the Stella Cup for their therapeutic work.

Mavis and her dogs visit forensic psychiatric hospitals and Parc prison for the charity Therapy Dogs Nationwide.

Mavis and the older dog, Gertie, have been visiting patients for the past 10 years and Matilda started to help a year ago. The award was presented by Pam St Clement who is involved with several charities involving dogs.

Gertie also visits Overmonnow Primary School to listen to the children read and Matilda does the same at St John’s Acadamy, Coleford.

The dog charity arranges for volunteers to visit hospitals, nursing homes, schools and hospices with their temperament tested dogs and they are greatly appreciated by the people they visit.

For more information visit www.therapydogsnationwide.org or contact Mavis on [email protected]