By SARAH BULL

What a hero! David Walliams today saved a dog from drowning as he continued his Thames swim for Sport Relief

Comedian David Walliams yesterday saved a dog from drowning despite suffering from ‘Thames Tummy’ during his marathon charity swim along the river.

The Little Britain star swam to save the one-year-old labrador after hearing him splash into the water. The animal, called Vinny, was struggling to get out because it has a bad hip.

Walliams grabbed the dog by the scruff of the neck and pushed it on to the river bank near Cookham Lock in Berkshire.


Bravery: Walliams pushed the Labrador to safety after the canine jumped in to greet the comedian


Walliams said: ‘I heard a splash and looked over to be met with the face of a sweet labrador.

‘I thought he was fine, but he started to really struggle when he was getting out so I swam over and helped his owner get him out.’

Vinny’s owner Steve Outten, 23, from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, said: ‘Vinny has hip dysplasia and was really struggling to get out just as David was swimming past.

‘He stopped, swam over and helped me get him out, which when you think what he’s going through with the swim is totally amazing. What a man.’


Hero's welcome: Walliams is applauded and cheered as he arrives at Bray Lock this afternoon


Support: Walliams said he has been amazed by the amount of support he has received from members of the public


Talking about his brave rescue, Walliams said: 'We had a little incident with a dog on the way to Maidenhead - I heard a splash and looked over to be met with the face of a sweet Labrador. I thought he was fine, but he started to really struggle when he was getting out so I swam over and helped his owner get him out.'

Walliams' rescue mission came as he was supported by his supermodel wife Lara Stone, who followed him on a boat as he swam.

Lara even fed Walliams a cookie as he stopped for a quick snack break on his way to Bray Lock in Maidenhead.

Taking to her Twitter page this morning, Lara wrote: 'He really is flying!! SO PROUD!!!!! #thamesswim @sportrelief.'


Support: David Walliams' wife Lara Stone came to support him on his Thames swim today


She later added: 'Another amazing reception! So many people, too sweet, brings tears to my eyes.'

Lara wasn't the only famous face supporting Walliams today, as comedian Miranda Hart also popped along.

After making him some porridge for breakfast, Miranda was ready and waiting with a dressing gown for Walliams as he pulled himself out of the water for a quick pitstop.

Walliams added: 'It's been a great day today. My wife Lara has been in the boat cheering me on which was such a big boost to me. Miranda Hart came along and made me porridge too which was a lovely thought, but slightly less lovely in practice.'


Slowly but surely: Walliams, seen here yesterday, is in much better spirits today


Grinning from ear to ear: Walliams smiled for the camera as he prepared to get into the water this morning


He added: 'My tummy has settled a bit and I had fish and chips and some pizza last night so feel better.

'We have broken through the 100 mile barrier now which is great, but once I reach Teddington Lock the Thames becomes tidal and there's a whole new set of challenges.

'The currents and undertows are very dangerous so I'll need to be strong.'


Eat up! Lara feeds Walliams a cookie to keep him energised for the swim


Famous faces: Lara was joined on the boat by comedian Miranda Hart


Walliams was also encouraged on the charity swim yesterday by his close friend, fellow comedian Jimmy Carr, who was there to congratulate him as he reached the halfway point of the challenge in Henley-on-Thames.

Earlier this week, the former Little Britain star was struggling to continue with the challenge after contracting 'Thames Tummy' from the murky Thames water.

But speaking about his progress yesterday, Walliams said: 'It's fantastic to be half way - although if I think for too long about the fact that I've got to do as many miles again, I feel even sicker than normal.

'I'm learning to live with the stomach bug and had a more settled night. I even tucked into fish and chips, so I’m taking food on board again.'


Spurring him on: David stopped to shake Michael Parkinson's hand


source: dailymail

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By DANIEL BATES

LA lifestyle: Petra has been attending meetings and enjoying her life in Beverly Hills

She had claimed it was to let her spend time between Britain and America more easily.
But now Petra Ecclestone has revealed the real reason why she bought her £52million Los Angeles mansion - so her miniature dogs can have more space.

The 22-year-old has admitted that concern for her five pets was why she splashed out her father’s money on the 14-bedroom property.


Animal lover: Petra Ecclestone pictured here the Dogs Trust Honours in London last year

Even though she already has a six-story £56 million mansion in Chelsea, Ms Ecclestone felt that they deserved more room to live, she said.

Now that the dogs have homes on two sides of the Atlantic, they are beginning to rival their owner - once dubbed ‘the most spoilt girl in Britain’ - for over pampering.

The Los Angeles property is a sprawling 57,000 square foot house called The Manor which was built by the late TV producer Aaron Spelling who was responsible for such shows as Dallas and Charlie’s Angels.

Built in the style of a French chateau it is located in the exclusive Holmby Hills area of Los Angeles.

It has a huge garden in the front and the back, a swimming pool and a double staircase that was inspired by one featured in ‘Gone with the Wind’.

In an interview Ms Ecclestone said that she persuaded her father, billionaire Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone, to buy her the property because she thought it was ‘homey and livable’


Lap of luxury: The heiress bought Candy Spelling's California home for £52 million


‘I didn’t want a modern kind of house,’ she said. ‘It was a great investment at the end of the day’.

Ms Ecclestone added that she had to also think about her miniature dogs.

‘It’s important for them to be able to have space,’ she said.

The pets include a Rottweiler and a Bulldog which will now apparently feel more comfortable having even more room to wander around.


Pampered pooches: Petra's pets will have the run of the 57,000 square foot house


Ms Ecclestone is currently living at the mansion with new husband James Stunt, 28, whom she married last month at a lavish ceremony at 15th Century Odescalchi Castle in Italy where the entertainment was provided by Eric Clapton and the Black Eyed Peas.

The property had been sold by Mr Spelling’s widow Candy, mother of actress Tori Spelling. When it was first listed in 2009 it was the most expensive property on sale in America at the time.

source: dailymail

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By DAILY MAIL REPORTER



Infatuated: Amelle only has eyes for Herbie, despite boyfriend Tom Benn in tow



They say you can't hide the look of love.



And Amelle Berrabah seems infatuated with her new pet pooch Herbie.



The Sugababes singer cradled the tiny dog in her arms as she headed to a local park in west London with boyfriend Tom Benn.





New member of the family: Amelle's boyfriend Tom Benn cradles Herbie





While most people throw on their slacks for walkies, the 27-year-old of course dressed for the catwalk.



Showing off her petite figure, Amelle wore figure-hugging cropped red trousers and intentionally clashed it with orange shoes and a bag.





Baby's first steps: Tom and Amelle watch as playful Herbie runs around





The chart-topper added a touch of cool to the outfit, teaming it with a flat cap and baggy sweater that showed off her flat midriff.



Amelle introduced Herbie to the world last week on Twitter, posing with him on her lap in the car.





Mummy's boy: Amelle introduced Herbie to the world on Twitter last week





Tom looked particularly gigantic next to the little animal, especially when he cradled him in his arms.



However when they say down on a park bench, the tattooed former model looked like he'd rather be down the pub.



On Saturday, Amelle was gushing about the new addition to the family, writing on Twitter: 'Sitting outside having dinner with friends and little Herbie. So chilled!xxx'



source: dailymail

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By DAILY MAIL REPORTER



Dolphin Tale: Winter's life will be documented in a new Hollywood movie which will be shown in the UK in October



Watching her swim through the water you would think she's like any other dolphin, doing backflips and splashing around in her pool.



But this is Winter, the world's first bionic dolphin, whose heartwarming story has inspired a Hollywood blockbuster.



At just two months old she lost her mother and her tail in a crab trap.





Splash: Winter with her prosthetic limb which took nearly two years to create





After 18 months of painstaking work, £150,000 and nearly 50 prototypes, the pair managed to create a 30 inch silicone tail.



Winter, who only wears the limb for a few hours a day, wouldn't survive in the wild and constantly needs a replacement limb as she grows.



Staff at the aquarium also spend hours massaging her muscles every day to ensure she is comfortable.



Visitors have also been inspired by Winter and a number of servicemen who have been injured in Iraq and Afghanistan have benefited from the work done by Mr Carroll.



Because Winter's skin is so sensitive, a special gel had to be created so that the fake limb wouldn't irritate her.



The gel has been so successful it is now being used for humans too.





A member of staff at the aquarium shows off the fake limb which moves along with Winter's spine





Brian Kolfage, who lost both legs and his right hand in Iraq, had such a severe reaction to the fake limbs he was unable to use them. But because of the breakthrough cream he is now able to walk again.



Young children visiting Winter are also inspired and find the courage to deal with their own deformities after meeting the inspirational dolphin.



Hannah Jenkins, 12, who was born without a left hand and forearm, said Winter helped her realise she too could survive.



Winter may never be the most elegant dolphin but, as she splashes about in the aquarium, it is safe to say that she probably doesn't care.



Dolphin Tale, directed by Charles Martin Smith, will be released in the UK in 3D this October.





Dolphin Tale 3D.





source: dailymail

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