Dog lovers are being called on to support an elderly Dorchester resident who is no longer able to walk their four-legged companion.

National charity The Cinnamon Trust has put a call out for people in the area to help out by adding their name to a list of volunteers to help with dog walks.

Tessa Herriott, volunteer coordinator at the charity said: "We aim to support elderly and terminally ill people and their pets, to alleviate any worries and help them stay together for as long as possible.

"A large number of elderly or ill pet owners become very worried about their ability to care for their pets, feeling that their only option is to rehome them, this is where our national network of dedicated volunteers step in to offer support.

"We’ll walk the dog for a housebound owner, we’ll foster pets when owners need hospital care, we’ll fetch the cat food, even clean out the bird cage or litter trays.

"Currently we are trying to put together a team of dog walking volunteers to provide support for an elderly resident who lives in the Dorchester area with their beloved dog."

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer should visit www.cinnamon.org.uk or email volunteer@cinnamon.org.uk