CUMBRIA'S most-loved pooch has been awarded The Pride of Britain Fundraising Award for the region. 

Keswick's Kerry Irving and his spaniel dogs, Max the Miracle Dog, Paddy and Harry have raised over half a million pound for various charities, bagging the Max Out in the Lake District group the Daily Mirror's fundraising award for the North West. 

The Great North Air Ambulance Service took to social media to congratulate Kerry and his pooches: " We're incredibly proud of Kerry and we're so thankful to have his ongoing support."

Max, from Keswick ,was introduced to the world as a lifeline to owner Kerry Irving, who adopted the friendly pooch after a car accident in 2006 left him in excruciating pain, both physically and mentally - the newly found family would go on to bolster fundraising causes throughout the area. 

Unfortunately however, after being diagnosed with a tumour, Max passed away earlier this year. 

READ MORE: Max the Miracle dog: Cumbrian pet which captured hearts around the world dies

A social media post on the Max out in the Lake District Facebook page, upon the announcement of the award said: "For Max, thank you for being there in my hour of need. 

"For guiding so many back towards the light when the darkness had all but surrounded them. 

"For creating an incredible supportive community, making people smile, creating new friendships in a very challenging world. 

"This is the legacy of a life saving little dog, with the biggest of hearts and the waggiest of tails. He is our Pride of Britain - this is for you my friend."

Earlier this year, supporters of Max the Miracle Dog raised over £45,000 for the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) earlier this year on a dog walk held to mark what would have been the 15th birthday of Max the Miracle Dog. 

READ MORE: Max the Miracle Dog supporters raise £45k for charity that saved young girl