A schoolgirl and her pet Miniature Schnauzer have been named top dogs in a St Francis Hospice fundraising event.

Eva Alexander, 11, of Brentwood, and her dog Ollie were this week presented with a trophy for their fantastic fundraising efforts in the Wags and Tails walk.

The determined Anglo European School pupil raised �860 as part of the walk in Ingatestone in September – the highest amount of any volunteer.

It was a cause close to Eva’s heart after the hospice in Havering-atte-Bower cared for her Grandma Eileen Hamblin, who sadly passed away in July.

Beaming Eva said: “I’m so pleased that I was able to raise the money for the Hospice, my Grandma would have been proud. The walk was really good and it was nice to see other dogs like Ollie.”

Her mum Sam added: “The care from Saint Francis Hospice was absolutely superb and it was lovely that Ollie, who was very special to my Mum, was able to come in and visit with us. I was pleased to be able to join in the walk and will do everything I can to raise awareness and funds for such a vital charity as Saint Francis Hospice.”

Event organiser Lauren Josman and St Francis mascot Frankie the Lion helped present the proud youngster with her trophy. Lauren said: “We depend on the support of families like the Alexander’s and organisations and businesses to help us raise the money we require each year to provide specialist care, free of charge, to local people living with a life-limiting illness when they need it.”

The first-ever St Francis dog walk raised more than �5,000, with another Wags and Tails event planned for next year.

To volunteer, visit www.sfh.org.uk or call 01708 771427.