A LOVING Labrador from South Oxfordshire will star in the new series of popular television show The Dog Rescuers on Tuesday.

Riley is an assistance dog for Ella Wilson, of Middleton Cheney, who suffers from multiple conditions including osteoarthritis.

Viewers can watch Riley's talents in action on the Channel 5 show at 8pm as he helps Ella pick items up from the floor, fetch clothing, push buttons and give her much-needed confidence.

Riley came to Dogs for the Disabled from the Lewknor Blue Cross rescue centre in South Oxfordshire, having proved too boisterous for the family who owned him.

He was then trained at Dogs for the Disabled's Banbury centre and boarded with volunteers in Bloxham, Greatworth and Bicester.

Ella applied for an assistance dog after her partner died.

She knew the constant presence of a skilled working dog to help her with everyday tasks would allow her son Tom to feel free to move out and get on with his own life.

Tom had cared for Ella since he was 15 and while at university.

Ella said: "Riley has turned my life around completely. He's my companion, but he's also made my life so much easier. He's a real character and brings me joy every day."

Chris Allen, Dogs for the Disabled's Dog supply manager, said: "As soon as we saw him we selected him straight away. We knew he had the potential to be an assistance dog.

"We so pleased Riley has done so well. Hopefully we'll be able to take on and train other rescue dogs in the future."

Tim Sillis, centre manager at Blue Cross Lewknor, said: "Riley's story just goes to show what wonderful companions rescue animals can make and what a difference they can make to people's lives."

Dogs for the Disabled has trained over 680 assistance dogs to date and currently has more than 280 working in England and Wales.

The Dog Rescuers is presented by comedian and actor Alan Davies.