Elli, a seven-year-old terrier from Acton, was crowned best PAT (Pets As Therapy) Dog at Crufts for her extraordinary work with people in residential homes and hospices.

She was also recognised for raising hundreds of pounds for the Pets As Therapy charity.
Proud owner Don King, 73, a lifelong Acton resident, said it was one of the best days of his life.

He said: "It was a long day – we set out before 6am and didn't get home until midnight. We were both knackered but it was worth it."
Elli was probably dog-tired after her record-breaking effort at the show .... which included getting a friendly pat from 650 people in just one hour.

"The record last year was 500, so she smashed that by a long way – people just seem to love her," added Mr King.
The Free Press caught up with Mr King and Elli as they visited Turner Court Residential Home in Sudbury.

As Elli happily took turns with each resident, sitting on laps or offering an ear to stroke, their faces lit up with smiles.
Mr King said: "It's lovely to come here. The staff are so friendly and the happiness it brings to the residents is clear to see. It is a very therapeutic experience for them to stroke Elli."

Lucille Garrard, manager of the home, said the combination of Elli and Don had a wonderful effect on everyone.
"Don tells them fabulous stories about his life and now they both join us for our day trips, too, and have become part of our lives," she added.

Mr King and Elli lead a busy life.
The summer is spent touring steam engine rallies with Mr King's own steam-powered models and his barrel accordion, while the rest of the year there is the daily tour of nursing homes and hospices.

It was during the steam rallies, where Mr King raises money for the PAT charity, that he first noticed his pet's way with people.
"Everyone would be patting her. She became the centre of attention," he said. "I thought it would be great to bring her on my visits to nursing homes, and decided to get her trained as a PAT dog."

Elli's patience and good nature saw her sail through training and she was cleared to start work.

"I think we both get as much happiness as each other when we go on our visits – I can't imagine a time when I'm not doing this or having Elli by my side," said Mr King.