SHE is a courageous canine who has twice had a brush with cancer.

Rhona, an 11-year-old black Labrador, beat the disease and is now bringing comfort to cancer patients in a Hampshire hospice.

As one of the nation's Pets As Therapy dogs she is a regular visitor to West End's Countess Mountbatten House.

For five years she has been mingling among patients at the 25-bed centre and now she has received an official pat on the back.

The friendly fido was invited to an awards ceremony to salute volunteers who received certificates for service ranging from three to more than 20 years.

Hospice chiefs pinned a pink rosette on Rhona's bright yellow collar for her five years of dogged service.

Her proud owner Margaret Barmby, who lives in Bishop's Waltham, said: "I was amazed but delighted when Rhona received the award. We have only been visiting for five years and many people have been going longer."

A few years ago Rhona had an operation to remove growths on her mammary glands. She recovered quickly but later faced a further operation when another growth was discovered.

Her father was a gun dog but it was a working career that Rhona could not follow because she is gun shy.

Margaret, pictured above right with Rhona, said: "She is terrified of loud bangs and is a shivering wreck during all those Guy Fawkes parties."

Margaret says Rhona's therapy role has turned a timid dog into one full of confidence and bounce.

On her Thursday visits to Countess Mountbatten House she cannot wait to get out of her owner's car and races through the doors to visit everyone.

Margaret said: "She really loves it. I find the visits quite humbling and it is an eye-opener to see what degrees of pain they go through."

She said Rhona's visits not only brought joy to the patients but also helped visitors who spent many hours at the bedside of loved ones.

Margaret added: "The visits also bring out stories and memories about people's own pets."

Such is Rhona's caring nature that she sometimes senses when a patient is nearing the end of their life and she does not want to leave their side.

Sarah Chantler, senior sister at Countess Mountbatten House, said: "Rhona's visits make a big difference to our patients. Her wagging tail and happy disposition are very therapeutic and really cheer people up.

"She is a lovely dog and we are extremely grateful to her owner for bringing her in to see us so regularly."