WONDERDOG Orca is one of the first canines in the country to be paid council benefits.

The two-year-old Golden Retriever, who saved his disabled owner's life when she plummeted 20ft down a watery ditch in her wheelchair, will be awarded a special allowance to pay for his upkeep.

His owner, Cheryl Smith, 23, of Heslington, York, relies heavily on Orca's support because the super-intelligent dog can carry out an impressive range of chores. They include turning lights on and off, unloading the washing machine, fetching items from other rooms in the house, and helping Cheryl to dress and undress.

Orca was paired with Cheryl, who is physically disabled, by the national charity Canine Partners just over a year ago, when she approached them for help.

After only eight weeks, Orca hit the national headlines following his amazing rescue in which he ran off and managed to get the attention of a nearby jogger. In a scene straight out of Lassie, he led him to his stranded owner in the ditch and the alarm was raised. Orca later received a bravery award for his valiant efforts.

"The fact that the council has recognized that Orca is my carer has brought me great security and peace of mind because I can be sure that I can always provide for him," said Cheryl, who has just completed a masters degree in chemistry at the University of York.

"Having a dog is expensive anyway, but Orca needs special food and equipment because of the fact that he is a working dog."

Gary Brittain, commissioning and contracts manager in community services at City of York Council, said: "Cheryl is certainly the first person that we have made direct payments to for her caring dog, and I believe she is among the first in the North.

"Orca carries out many of the functions that a home care assistant would. We think that caring dogs are a great idea for the right person in the right environment and I am sure that many other people will be inspired by Cheryl and Orca's story."

Canine Partners spokeswoman Karen O'Donoghue said: "This is a significant step by York council. It means that having a canine partner is much more achievable to a disabled person on benefits."

Updated: 08:34 Saturday, July 17, 2004