A RYEDALE care company is inviting older people to 'hug a husky' to help improved their health.

Anne-Marie Backhouse and John Anderson from the Diamond Care Company based in Wintringham, are holding a pet therapy coffee morning involving their two Alaskan Malamute dogs Shadow and Star.

"Research has shown that pet therapy improves the health, both mental and physical, in the elderly," said Anne-Marie.

"We felt it as a good time to hold the sessions after Christmas when the weather isn't too good and people tend to feel a bit down."

Anne-Marie said she had owned Shadow and Star since they were puppies and both were 'big softies'.

"We are hoping to make this a regular event and also got more places involved for us to visit as this will have a great effect on the elderly in the Ryedale area," she added.

The 'Hug a Husky' event will be held at Sturdy Court in Kirkbymoorside on Monday, January 26 at 10.30am.

The event is free and refreshments will be available.

For more information contact Diamond Care Company on 01944 758522.