A CHARITY which is celebrating its 25th anniversary after originally setting up near Petersfield welcomed a royal visitor to its annual carol service.

The Countess of Wessex attended the Canine Partners event, with 600 other guests, at the Guards Chapel, Wellington Barracks in London.

The event was supported by a host of celebrities, who gave readings, including actors Fiona Fullerton and David Robb, broadcasting personality Nicholas Parsons and Colonel John Blashford-Snell.

Draycott Nursing and Care has organised the event in aid of Canine Partners for the last four years.

Chief executive of Canine Partners Andy Cook said: “It was a wonderful evening made all the more special by the presence of the Countess of Wessex.

“We thank Draycott Nursing and Care for organising the event and all those who bought tickets and donated to the charity. We receive no government funding so the proceeds from this event will make a difference to the lives of more people with disabilities.”

The stars of the evening were the Canine Partners dogs which were showing off their skills. Jo Hill and her canine partner Derby had everyone in tears as she spoke about the difference Derby has made to her life and those of her four children and husband.

It is a special year for Canine Partners as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. To mark the milestone, 340 of the charity’s assistance dog owners were asked to name the 25 most useful tasks their canine partner does for them.

Mr Cook added:?“It seems that a canine partner can help in a huge number of ways with practical tasks, but perhaps the most powerful statistic was that more than 40 per cent of respondents said their canine partner changed people’s attitudes to the disabled person.

“That really encapsulates the ‘amazing dogs, transforming lives’ strapline that Canine Partners uses to describe their work.”

The most useful task was picking up dropped items, while eight per cent said their dogs carrying items made their life easier.

Third most popular was undressing the partner and just behind that, with 74 per cent, was opening doors.

Some of the more unusual tasks mentioned by respondents was fetching the towel when their owner is showering (14 per cent), helping them to turn over in bed (six per cent) and flushing the toilet (six per cent).

For more information on the work of the charity, visit www.caninepartners.org.uk