Prime Minister David Cameron celebrates 1000th volunteer at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home

An army of dogs greeted David Cameron and performed a guard of honour as he arrived at the home in Battersea Park Road this morning.

Mr Cameron met with 1000th volunteer James Moore and terrier Bertie, who struggled to stay in the Prime Minister's arms.

He was also taken to an outdoor paddock where pooches demonstrated their training on an outdoor course and the charity's cattery.

It was the first time Mr Cameron has visited the home, although Downing Street successfully rehomed cat Larry more than two years ago.

Mr Cameron praised the volunteers for donating their time in the charity's three centres and spoke about the benefits of giving up time to volunteer.

He said: "They find an enormous amount of satisfaction.

"They feel they're doing something good for others, and in this case good for animals, good for the community and also they find they get a lot out of it for themselves.

"We've tried to encourage volunteering not least with things like National Citizen Service, which is giving every young person, over time, the chance to take part in community service projects, and I think we're going to see a big growth in that.

"Volunteering's up over the last few years, as is charitable giving. They're not the only measures of the success of the big society - but they are two important measures."

The subject of dangerous dogs was also on the agenda, with Mr Cameron discussing the current consultation for tougher penalties on owners.

Mr Moore, of Beckenham, who also works at Imperial College, said: "I was wanting to volunteer for quite a while and when this position at Battersea came up I got the opportunity.

"I work as a support volunteer for the cattery. It is a good way to spend my spare time."

The charity has recently seen a surge in volunteers, with a 45 per cent increase in applications from across the UK.

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