BEING able to live an independent life with the company of his dog means so much to one man he has written to residents of the town he moved to last year to thank them for their kindness.

Andrew and his dog Comet live at Rosedale, a supported housing development run by Heart of England Mencap to allow individuals with learning disabilities, like Andrew, to live as independently as possible with help nearby.

He moved from Scotland to Shipston last year, making one of the ten new flats at Rosedale his home.

The new friends he has made in the community have made him so welcome he arranged with his support worker to help him put in words his feelings towards his new home and neighbours.

It reads: ”My name is Andrew and I live at Rosedale in Shipston. I would like to say thank you to many people on behalf of my dog Comet, who lives with me here. I want to say thank you because Comet is very peaceful, happy and relaxed. He has been made to feel welcome and shown much kindness since moving to the area last year. He is happy in his home and enjoys walks out with me around the local area.

“So thank you to the residents and staff of Rosedale house, thank you to the Mencap group, thank you to the shops and pubs of Shipston and last but not least, thank you to all the townspeople of Shipston. Thank you for all of the kindness and friendship you have shown to Comet and myself.”

Gareth Morgan, Andrew’s support worker, said: “Andrew approached me asking for help in getting this message across to the community. Helping people feel safe, connected, independent and able within the community is what we do here, but a lot still rests upon the social interactions they are able to have. The fact that Andrew feels welcomed by local people and wants to thank them all is fantastic news. I would like to add my personal thanks to all from the local area for the respect and kindness they have clearly shown.”