Friendship dog charity gains dozens of volunteers

Wag and Company aims to reduce loneliness in elderly people through visits from furry friends

A charity which uses dogs to battle loneliness has recruited dozens more volunteers after a cash boost.

Wag and Company aims to reduce social isolation for the elderly across north-east England, through regular visits from a furry pal.

The £10,000 from rail company LNER's community fund meant it could carry out thousands more visits, the charity said.

Other causes are being urged to apply for an award before the application window closes on 25 August.

Awards are available to charities based within 15 miles (24km) of the East Coast Main Line, which connects London King's Cross to Edinburgh.

Diane Morton, founder and chair of Wag and Company, said: "The funding has allowed us to recruit 40 new volunteers and their dogs who've brought companionship, comfort, and joy to over 200 older people.

"The new volunteer teams have enabled us to deliver an additional 3,000 individual visits, offering not just a friendly face and a wagging tail, but a vital lifeline."

She said the funding had made a "real difference" and encouraged other charities to submit a bid.

Rachael Wilson, community investment manager at LNER, said: "We're incredibly proud to be able to support projects which have such a profound impact on people's lives.

"We're really looking forward to supporting more charities in 2026 and eagerly await those applications."