FRIENDSHIP at a stroke . . . that is the motto of the Pets As Therapy charity, which aims to improve the quality of life of children, the elderly and people with psychiatric or medical problems.

The arrival of a friendly, placid cat or dog at a hospice, nursing home or rehabilitation unit in East Lancashire can warm the hearts of both children and adults who may have failed to respond to a carer or relative.

The organisation is always looking for owners with kind, patient pets who can spare an hour every now and again to brighten the lives of people who are suffering stress or sadness and need cheering up.

Jane Atkinson, PAT area co-ordinator for Blackburn and Burnley, said: "There is nothing worse than if someone has had to leave their cat or dog behind. They are pining for the pet.

"At least we give them a little bit of comfort. PAT dogs show great empathy, a sympathetic, listening ear which is completely confidential -- you know your words are not going to go any further. If you are going to an old people's home you might be the only visitor that person gets.

"You do get involved and the feeling that you get when you see somebody's face light up is very rewarding. The dogs and cats love it, the staff love it, the clients love it.

"The volunteers say it seems unfair to keep a good animal to themselves and they want to share the pet they love so much."

The charity, set up by the late Lesley Scott-Ordish -- who was also involved in starting Hearing Dogs for the Deaf and Dogs for the Disabled -- celebrates its 20th anniversary next year. Nationally it has 5,000 working dogs and 60 cats but currently the only PAT cat in the North West works at Oldham Royal Infirmary, although Jane's husband Ian is an assessor for the charity and is about to assess a cat in the Stacksteads area of Rossendale to see if it is suitable.

Jane, who lives in Ramsbottom, said PAT dogs visit numerous places across East Lancashire, including Blackburn Hospice, Pendleside Hospice and Rakehead Rehabilitation Unit, which is part of Burnley General Hospital.

Several volunteers take their pets to the Derian House children's hospice at Chorley. Jane, who is a PAT dog owner, said: "It becomes part of your life. You get to see some superb places and meet some outstanding people."

Volunteers can offer as much or as little time as they want -- it may be one hour a week or one hour every six weeks.

"Those working with children will undergo police checks and each volunteer has to provide two character references.

Anyone who would like to know more about the charity can contact Jane on 01706 827354.