Allen and Endal with the very special Blue Peter badge.

ASSISTANCE DOG Endal has been awarded Blue Peter’s highest accolade for his devotion to duty and in particular for saving the life of his partner Allen Parton at Crufts two years ago.

Allen and Endal were on a visit to the Blue Peter studios where the show’s organisers had set up a mock bedroom kitchen etc for Endal to show his amazing abilities to help Allen with everyday chores.

Having never seen the studio washing machine till Endal had got on to the set, there was an audible gasp through out the studio when he opened it first time without hesitation. A video was shown of Endal out and about shopping, operating the cashpoint machine and traffic lights.

The nice surprise at the end of the piece was the presentation of a Gold Blue Peter badge to Endal by presenter Matt Baker. The last one was awarded to the Queen so he is in good company! Allen - born in 1958, the same year as Blue Peter started - said this programme has been so much a part of his life, and the lives of his children - and hopefully their children in the future. "I'm delighted that Endal has become part of Blue Peter history and has been recognised for the work he does for me, it is such an honour for Endal to be recognised in this manner by Blue Peter"

Blue Peter's Producer Rob Unsworth said: "A gold Blue Peter badge is the programme's highest accolade, only awarded for outstanding achievements, or for saving a life. Endal deserves one on both counts, and we're delighted to recognise his incredible talents this way. He really is an exceptional dog."

Endal is only the second dog to receive a gold badge in the programme's history - the first was long-serving Blue Peter dog Bonnie, in 1999.