A unique experiment is being carried out to try cure a poorly pooch's allergy to modern day living.

Scientists hope they have finally cracked the cause of a Yorkshire Terrier's catalogue of canine complaints.

Experts at London firm Kiltox Chemicals claim cleaner air could clear up little Lofty's doggy disorders - which have already cost owners Jean and Dave Barden, of London Road, Braintree, a staggering £3,000 in vets' fees.

Now - in what is believed to be a world first - Lofty is to get his own air-conditioning to catch the harmful chemicals which trigger his allergies.

And if the tests are successful the filter system could be used to help other pets.

Kiltox claims it already helps human asthma sufferers by removing dust mites and moisture from the air.

But it is the first time it has ever been tried on a dog. They are installing the equipment free of charge to see if it works.

"It's really designed to benefit humans but it should have the same effect on pets," said a spokesman.

"We've never tried it on a dog before but it should work."

Big-hearted bosses at the firm came to the rescue after we highlighted Lofty's plight.

He was nominated for an Animal Health Trust Pet Oscar after a two-year battle to beat allergies which make him break out in an itchy rash and scratch off his fur.

Lofty's owners say they are "thrilled" at the offer.

"He still itches a lot but we hope this is going to help him," said Jean.

"The people at Kiltox have been round to discuss it with us and were very nice. We've got our fingers crossed - we just hope it works."

Top vets have been baffled by Lofty's illness for years. But it's not stopped him getting into trouble.

The barking-mad mutt earned himself a daredevil reputation when he jumped out the window of a moving car.

Luckily his lead was wrapped around the gear-stick and horrified owner Dave managed to yank the unharmed hound back inside.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.