HOSPITAL patients have been treated to a visit from a four-legged friend.

Five-year-old Steel Blue Great Dane Missy went to the Rainbow Ward on Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan with her owner Debbie Stewart, who lives in Leigh.

Therapy dog Missy, who weighs nearly 70kg, made her way around the ward, bringing joy to everyone.

It was 18 months ago when Debbie thought Missy would be the perfect therapy dog as she has such good temperament and loves cuddles.

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Debbie said: “This was Missy’s first interaction with children and she was amazing.

"Missy knows when she is going to work as soon as I put her yellow collar and bandana on her."

Charity Therapy Dogs Nationwide offers volunteers and their dogs to the community for companionship, emotional support and therapy.

Missy was taken on an assessment, which included activities, to see if she was eligible to be a therapy dog.

After moving from Yorkshire, where Debbie and Missy visited care homes, they have become regular visitors to Wigan and Leigh Hospice.

Debbie said wants to do more for the community and visit Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Foundation NHS Trust sites more.

Staff nurse on the Rainbow Ward Emma Parr initially contacted Debbie through Therapy Dogs Nationwide.

Emma said: “I’m a big dog lover so I wanted to share the love and invite them in."