A Bierley hospital is introducing a new initiative supporting patients having visits from their pets.

Cygnet Hospital Bierley believes, as studies have shown, that contact with animals is of great benefit to patients overcoming mental health issues.

Tracey McGowan, ward manager of the personality disorder service at the hospital, is about to start an Animal Assisted Therapy in Counselling training course, which will develop animal therapy at the hospital.

She said: "My dogs already visit the hospital for therapeutic purposes and we’ve found this to be beneficial to the patients.

“As a hospital, we are encouraging the use of animals as part of therapy, and we hope that Cygnet Hospital Bierley will be a flagship for this type of therapy.”