A FOUR-LEGGED friend has been specially trained to save its disabled owner's life.

Anton has been nicknamed "Wonderdog" by his owner, Carol Goodman, who lives in sheltered accommodation in Darlington.

Miss Goodman, who is in her 60s, relies on her electric wheelchair and Anton, who has lived with her for a year.

She said: "Anton is definitely a Wonderdog. He helps around the house and is my best friend.

"He picks up the phone for me, gets the washing out of the machine and if I drop something he will pick it up."

Anton's most valuable trick is to pull the emergency cord in Miss Goodman's house to alert the sheltered accommodation warden if she is in trouble.

She said: "It is very reassuring to know that Anton is there and can get me help if I need it.

"Even if I can't get to the phone or speak he will bark to let the warden know I am in trouble."

Anton is the second Dog for the Disabled that Miss Goodman has owned and she is grateful for the training he has received.

She said: "He is a wonderful, soft dog and I just want to thank the people who trained him so well."