NO ONE could get away with licking old ladies' legs but Smartie.

The chocolate labrador has been bringing cheer to poorly patients at Colchester General Hospital for more than six years.

But now it's time to put his paws up.

Smartie, aged 10 and a half, visits people on the care of the elderly wards with owner Jenny Wright.

Such was the impact Smartie made that farewell messages were left for him on the hospital trust's Facebook page.

Lucy Archer wrote: "I remember his first visit....licking old ladies' legs, old men's faces (and glasses) but most importantly getting patients talking. LOVE Smartie."

Lorraine Usher added: "Smartie definitely 'at his best', well done handsome chap, an NHS I.D badge was never more deserved, so cute."

Jenny, 39, of Feering, said: “It can mean so much for a patient to simply stroke a dog.

"Smartie has loved coming into the hospital every week, but is now beginning to struggle, so sadly he will retire on July 26.

"He will miss everyone but is looking forward to his retirement.”

Many patients appreciate being able to touch and stroke a friendly animal and it’s well known this helps aid patients’ recovery.

Jenny said she can see how Smartie helps calm people down if they are agitated.

He also encourages people to talk so keeps their speech and their minds going.

"There was a man in a room on his own who we saw this week and he said 'thank you for coming around and said it was lovely to have that company," she added.

That was just one of the many examples Jenny gave of how Smartie has uplifted patients over the years.

Jenny and Smartie became volunteers at the hospital after she read a Gazette article about someone else visiting patients with their dog.

Mum-of-two Jenny got in touch with the hospital, Smartie went in for some tests and he passed with flying colours.

On his last day Jenny said Smartie, who she has had since he was eight weeks old, might be allowed a few patients' biscuits as a treat.

Jenny will continue her volunteering role with a friend's dog who has been trained up for the last six months, observing Smartie's calming nature.

"I didn't want to finish, I love doing what I do," Jenny said.

Gordon, the Cockerpoo, aged 18 months, belongs to a close friend of Jenny's and will be her next hospital companion.

If you are interested in volunteering within Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust, click here.