One inspirational pooch has been praised by the leader of the country in his daily list of deserving award winners.

Devoted fundraiser Kerry Irving and his famous miracle dog, Max, have together raised more than £244,000 for charity – and have caught the eye of Prime Minister.

The pair have carried out regular feats to raise money, after the loving dog helped Kerry recover from a car accident that left him with crippling pain and severe depression in 2006.

And their efforts have certainly been noticed.

In his daily Points of Light awards, Boris Johnson named the Springer Spaniel superstar and his proud owner, from Keswick, as true inspirations.

In a personal letter to Kerry, the Prime Minister said: "Every day I take a moment to write to somebody to thank them for inspiring others and today that person is you.

“I am lost in admiration for the fortitude you have shown following your horrific accident and how you have channelled your strength into charitable endeavours.

"With your ‘miracle dog’ Max – and Paddy and Harry too – you have scaled the heights of Ben Nevis and lifted the hearts of the nation, all while fundraising for a brilliant cause.”

Commenting on the news, Kerry said: "It’s an honour to accept this award for Max, Paddy and Harry, our loveable English Springer Spaniels.

"The difference a dog can make to someone’s life, how they lift the spirits and inspire an online worldwide community shows the power of animals and human interaction.

"We have met people from all walks of life, with much different backgrounds, cultures and upbringing but all have a love for their very own miracle dogs.

"We thank you so much.”

Kerry is the 1475th person to receive the Prime Minister’s UK daily Points of Light award, which was first launched in April 2014 to recognise outstanding individuals making a difference where they live.

Each day, someone, somewhere in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements, including hundreds of volunteers who have been recognised for how they have served their communities through the coronavirus pandemic.