A CONSIDERATE Wirral dog has found fame after taking the lead in caring for his human friends.

Eight-year-old golden retriever collie cross, Chester, will star in his own film and has been the focus of a magazine spread.

Apart from being a beautiful dog, Chester works hard for the Pets As Therapy charity which organises for dogs and cats to visit hospitals, hospices, care homes and special schools so that patients, residents and pupils can have a pet to talk to and fuss over.

And it was the Wirral branch of PAT which was chosen to help promote the charity and encourage people to become volunteers.

Eileen Slattery, who got Chester through an article in the Wirral Globe, said: "The national magazine Yours' got in touch and a writer observed Chester visiting wards in Clatterbridge Hospital and saw the happiness he brought into the hospital.

"They took some fantastic photos and they've done a three page article on the Wirral Pets As Therapy dogs.

"We are very proud that the work of our volunteers has caught the media's attention."

In September, Chester will star in the first ever promotional video for the charity which will be narrated by former Coronation Street actor Roy Barraclough.

The film, which will show Chester visiting patients at Clatterbridge Hospital, is hoped to encourage more hospices and schools to sign up for visits and attract more volunteers.

If you are interested in learning more about Pets As Therapy the charity will be attending the PDSA dog show held in Arrowe Park on Sunday, September 3. Eileen added: "All 40 of Wirral's PAT dogs will be there and will be glad to say hello to all those who visit our stall to help support our charity.

"The dog show is such a fun and exciting event and is open to every kind of dog. There will also be trade stands and other animal charities represented."