A SPROCKER spaniel has been named the UK’s best furry friend after helping an eight-year-old Salisbury girl and her family deal with a life changing tragedy.

Ella Harvey, whose father Gavin, lost both legs on a tour of duty in Afghanistan nominated the one-year-old puppy, Sully, for helping to get the family active together.

Sully will be recreated in LEGO and take up permanent residence at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort.

The Harvey family got Sully when he was just 12-weeks-old in a bid to get them active together as a family.

Ella’s mum Kerry said: “There’s so much physically that we can’t do together as a family with Gavin’s injuries and we thought having a dog could help us get more active.

"A year later, it’s undoubtedly worked wonders for us. We walk Sully together regularly and he is a wonderful stress reliever and calming influence for all of us when we might be having a bad day.

"Although the incident was six years ago, there are still some days that are very stressful and Sully helps us cope, especially Ella and her little sister Millie. One of Ella’s favourite things is climbing up on to her dad’s wheelchair with Sully for cuddles. He’s undeniably helped us and the bond between Sully and Ella is quite extraordinary; he really is her best friend.”

The search for the nation’s best pet friend was launched by the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort when a recent survey confirmed the unbreakable bond between children and their pets, with one in six saying their animals were better friends than their human buddies.

Sully was named the ultimate Best Furry Friend in a Facebook poll. 

Animal mad Ella, a pupil at Sandroyd Preparatory School, was delighted to hear her best furry friend has been declared the nation’s Best Furry Friend. She added: “I’m really excited and I can’t wait for Sully to see himself in LEGO. 

"Sully is my best furry friend because he makes me happy and helps me feel calm when I’m worried - he is great for cuddling when we feel sad.”

The family, including Sully, will visit the Resort to unveil his LEGO model at the end of August.