MAX is definitely a top dog in eyes of residents at a Hedge End nursing home.

So much so that the seven-year-old German shepherd has snapped up a national award for being a loving pet following glowing references from the residents at The Grange home.

As reported by the Daily Echo, the animal charity Pets As Therapy (PAT) recognised the efforts of Max and his owner Mike Thorpe, of Itchen, Southampton, by rewarding him as the best newcomer in their annual awards.

The 43 residents at The Grange were so proud of their canine visitor that many of them asked to have a photocopy of the certificate recognising his achievement as Up and Coming pat Dog of the Year.

Under PAT, which relies on contributions from the public, up to £250 can be spent for training and assessing each dog.