PENSIONER Doreen Cottrell is threatening to take to the streets or live in a shed rather than give up the dog left to her by the ex-husband she still loves.

Mrs Cottrell, 72, has taken on Sophie the spaniel for former Royal Marine Richard Burden who is in hospital with lung cancer, prostate cancer and the superbug MRSA.

As revealed in the Echo, Mr Burden, 86, and his former wife Doreen Cottrell lived together at council-run accommodation in Tiverton.

As well as Sophie, Mrs Cotterell has her own dog, Lassie but has been told by Mid Devon District Council that only one dog is allowed in the property.

A tearful Mrs Cottrell, who is diabetic, said of her ex-husband: "I still love him dearly and I don't think he will be coming back.

"Apart from a photograph of him, Sophie is all that I have of his.

"I would rather take to the streets or live in a garden shed than give up his dog Sophie.

"I am asking if anyone can rent me a shed so I can keep the two dogs."

Claire Fry, of Mid Devon District Council, said: "I cannot comment on individual cases due to the need to maintain tenant confidentiality.

"However, I can confirm that council policy relating to pets is laid out in our tenancy agreement."