A DOG has taken on the role of a carer for a disabled North Yorkshire woman.

Eight-year-old Eaton is Jean Highfield's registered carer 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The cross between a labrador and a retriever, Eaton is officially signed up as a member of Harrogate, Craven and Airedale Carers' Resource.

Disabled by lower back problems, Ms Highfield cannot bend so Eaton empties the washing machine, fetches her shoes, gets crockery out from low cupboards, tidies up when things are left on the floor and even brings the empty hot water bottle ready for a fill.

Eaton knows when Ms Highfield is feeling unwell by putting his head on her lap and he even lends a hand to help her undress. Ms Highfield, a former chairman of the Harrogate Back Carers' Association, is unable to take Eaton for daily exercise so the Carers' Resource group provides a walker for him.

"Being quite tall and unable to bend means that Eaton picks up what I need and can't reach. But sometimes he will bring me something that he has not picked up just to earn a treat - one of his favourite biscuits," said 73-year-old Ms Highfield, who lives near Pateley Bridge, in Nidderdale.

Carers' Resource director Anne Smyth said: "This is clearly an unusual carer story and I am delighted we have been able to help Mrs Highfield. Our help knows no bounds in caring. We like to help in various situations where there is a need."