A specialist vet who came forward to help a dog which needed life-saving treatment has now carried out the operation on him.

Benji the cocker spaniel touched the hearts of people across Medway when his owner Lucy Allen set up a fundraising campaign to pay for surgery after he was initially diagnosed with a pancreatic tumour.

In just days, supporters donated more than £2,800.

After the Medway Messenger highlighted the appeal, a kindhearted vet came forward to offer their help.

Helen Wood, from DNA Vetcare, which runs Manor Veterinary Surgery in Chatham, contacted the Messenger to offer to carry out the treatment.

Benji went into a sister branch of the surgery, Briar House in Broadstairs, earlier this week to have the operation, which according to the vet went very well.

Mrs Wood said: “Benji woke up nicely.

“After giving him the general anaesthetic, we took chest X-rays and are pleased to say his chest is clear and shows no signs of cancer.

“Afterwards, we repeated the abdominal ultrasound which confirmed the lesions seen a few days ago had slightly reduced in size so we proceeded to explore the abdomen.

“It took a great deal of time to diagnose and remove all the parts affected.

"We removed all the tissues we thought needed to be removed and we took some samples from a small lesion close to the pancreas.”

Samples taken during the operation will be sent for further tests to see if they are cancerous.

The operation was carried out by specialist vets, Enrcio Cecchetti and Laura Novensa.

Mrs Wood added: “The lab results should be back with us by Monday next week at the latest.

“The surgery was major and we have to monitor Benji carefully.”

Lucy, 19, has had the three-year-old dog since he was a puppy, and says he has “saved her life” during her battles with mental health issues and autism.

The Lordswood teenager said: “I went to see him on Tuesday afternoon at the surgery and I am so happy now he has come home."