Actor and television star Michelle Collins has backed Paws for a Cause, a campaign supporting the charity Support Dogs.

Ms Collins, known for her long-running roles in EastEnders and Coronation Street, said the relationship between people and dogs is ‘one of the most grounding and emotionally restorative bonds we have.’

She said: “Support Dogs is an amazing charity with an increasing need for services which can bring such confidence to so many young people who may otherwise struggle.”

Ms Collins has spent more than four decades in the public eye, beginning her career in theatre before rising to national recognition as Cindy Beale in EastEnders in 1988.

She went on to appear in major dramas, films and stage productions, and later joined Coronation Street as Stella Price.

Alongside her acting career, Ms Collins has become a committed advocate for rescue dogs and animal welfare.

Ms Collins’ rescue dog, Humphrey, an older Pug/Shih Tzu mix who is deaf, arthritic and living with cataracts, was adopted through All Dogs Matter and remains a much-loved part of her family.

She is a long-standing patron of the dog-rescue charity All Dogs Matter, fostering dogs and judging community events, such as the Great Hampstead Bark Off and the Halloween Dog Walk.

The 360Wire-backed campaign aims to raise £1,000 for 10 autistic children to meet a support dog, secure 15 sponsors for autism assistance dog Peggy, and recruit 10 new puppy socialisers to help train future assistance dogs.

For more information on how to support the campaign and for updates, visit here.