THE bond between people and their pets is a top priority for a housing provider in Bromsgrove, who have received another national award recognising their values.

Hanover Housing Association, which manages the likes of Spire View and St James Court in Bromsgrove, retained its coveted RSPCA Community Animal Welfare Footprint for the seventh year in a row.

The award celebrates, promotes and rewards the work of organisations that help improve animal welfare.

Director of service development for Hanover Nick Sedgwick said: "Hanover is proud of the fact that around half of our estates have pets and over 1,200 of our residents are pet owners.

"We are committed to ensuring that wherever possible pets are welcome across each estate.

"Nobody wants to break up a relationship with someone’s beloved pet, which is why we aim to take positive steps to encourage and ensure responsible pet ownership in all our properties."

Recent studies have found that companion animals can help to lower blood pressure and regulate a person’s heart rate during stressful situations, and can also give older people a sense of purpose and reduce isolation for those who live alone.

Senior parliamentary advisor for the RSPCA Rachel Williams said: "It's a fantastic achievement for Hanover to have retained their award for a seventh year in a row.

"The benefits of responsible pet ownership to older people are well known and recognised, so Hanover's commitment to allowing their residents to keep pets is really important and something we're thrilled to be able to recognise with a CAWF award yet again."