He takes in the laundry, helps around the house and never even asks for a pay rise.

Harley the Labrador is more than just a best friend to multiple sclerosis sufferer Moira Luck.

Moira, 56, uses a wheelchair and Harvey has made a world of difference to her life. He helps with the washing, assists her with her coat and picks up her mobile phone when she drops it.

It was love at first sight when Moira met Harley through the charity Canine Partners for Independence, which trains dogs to help disabled people.

They bonded during a fortnight's intensive training at the group's Hampshire headquarters and now they are inseparable.

Moira, of Leighton Avenue, Worthing, said: "Most people stop and say hello to the dog - they don't have a clue what my name is.

"When I'm in town, everybody wants to touch him."

Two-year-old Harley picks up her earrings or clothes pegs when she drops them, brings her the phone, opens the door and even draws the curtains.

She said: "It's not only physical help but psychological as well, as you have got to care for someone else. He gives me a reason to carry on.

"People can get so introverted and miserable if they are disabled, but he gives me a reason to go out."

"I used to have to ask other people for help all the time and you really feel you're putting on your family and friends asking them to help you with everything. Now Harley does all that.

When Moira goes shopping, Harley gets items off the shelves, helps her lift the contents of the basket on to the checkout belt and fishes out her chequebook when she needs to pay.

She said: "I thought my days of owning a dog were over but the charity does the hard work for you. Harley is already trained, so the first time you let him off the lead you know he's going to come back to you.

"He's looking after me and I'm looking after him."