Leeds train station will be filled with therapy dogs on Blue Monday

Blue Monday, officially branded the grimmest day of the year, occurs on the third Monday of the year when the weather is grey, Christmas is long-forgotten and Summer is a mere speck on the horizon.

So you'd be forgiven if getting the train into work in Leeds on Monday doesn't fill you with glee.

But take heart - help is on hand.

Northern has teamed up with Pets As Therapy to bring some four-legged, waggy-tailed unbridled joy to Leeds commuters over lunchtime on Blue Monday on January 20.

Pets As Therapy is a national charity where dogs and their owners visit public places to uplift people in need of a mood boost or a short-term relief from mental health struggles.

Hospitals, hospices, care homes, schools and prisons all benefit from the company of the animals.

Northern's Regional Director Steve Hopkinson said: "We're really happy that we've been able to enlist the help of four-legged friends to help put a smile on the faces of our customers.

"We'll have around 10 patient pooches all open to strokes, cuddles and petting, and all on hand to give our customers a little lift as they face Blue Monday."

He added: "One of our conductors at Leeds works with Pets As Therapy - and has two dogs of her own - and by inviting the dogs onto the station we can not only help our customers, we can support and highlight the fantastic work of the charity."

The dogs will be at the station from around 11am to 2pm and will be at the concourse near to the main ticket windows.