A greyhound will be making tracks for a hospital open day later this month.

Ten-year-old Meg will be among the attractions at the August 22 event at Airedale.

She is part of the Pets As Therapy (PAT) service, and regularly visits hospitals, care homes and children with disabilities.

Her owner, Jane Thrower, 75, said: “PAT dogs need to be obedient, very placid, love being handled and be good with both children and elderly people.

“The pets brighten the lives of patients. It gives them something to talk about, especially if they have been in hospital a long time and miss their own pets.

“A patient with brain damage may respond to very little, but just stroking a dog helps them to relax and it lowers their blood pressure. Even the doctors and nurses look forward to us visiting their wards.”

The open day – from noon to 4pm, in a marquee and the hospital’s education centre – will also feature more than 60 stands, a cave and cave rescue vehicles, a children’s life education bus and a fire engine. There will be fitness sessions and a chance for people to have their blood pressure checked.

Sodexo, the hospital’s catering company, will serve hot dogs from noon to 1.30pm and then tea, coffee and snacks.