THE owner of social housing complexes for older people in Swindon has been named as the first national housing organisation to achieve the RSPCA’s gold standard for its commitment to pioneering initiatives in animal welfare.

A decade after launching its recognition scheme, the RSPCA announced that Hanover had won the PawPrint award for pet friendliness.

Mark Lake, the firm's director of housing, said: "For many years we’ve recognised that pets can provide great companionship and also give older people a greater sense of purpose, so it has been vitally important that we provide the right environment that allows that to happen."

More than 760 dogs, 538 cats and 130 birds are housed with their owners in Hanover properties around the country and the association believes looking after animals lowers the amount of isolation residents feel.

"We know there are many benefits - individually and collectively - as a result of residents owning pets, so we are obviously delighted to be the first national organisation to be awarded the Gold standard," said Mr Lake.

Rachel Williams, senior parliamentary advisor for the RSPCA added:"This is a real testament to the hard work of Hanover staff, their commitment to animal welfare and the health and happiness of their residents." It is the first time the charity has awarded a national organisation a gold award for going above and beyond.