A Springer Spaniel has been hailed a hero after saving her owner from choking on a sweet.

Rachel Hayes of Drefach Felindre panicked when a large sweet became stuck in her throat last weekend, and was unable to breath or call for help.

She said: “I was choking and was on my knees over the toilet trying to get the sweet to come up. Mollypops kept on at me, and I tried to keep her away.

“I didn’t know what to do.”

Mollypops came behind Rachel and banged into her back, forcing the sweet to come up.

Rachel said: “She pushed me with such a force. She’s my hero, she saved my life and I can’t thank her enough. I felt like I was going to choke to death.”

Five year-old Mollypops was given a new toy and plenty of cuddles for her efforts.

Mollypops also showed her caring side two years ago, when she was able to provide comfort for Rachel’s mother, former local lollypop lady Margaret Hayes, in her final days in March 2011.

She was able to visit her at Glangwili hospital thanks to the help and organisation of staff on Steffan Ward as Margaret’s final wish.

Rachel added: “She’s a very special girl.”