A dog whose owner died two months ago visits the church where her funeral was held every day in the hope she will return.

Ciccio, a 12-year-old German Shepherd, attends Mass at the church of Santa Maria Assunta in San Donaci, Puglia, every day.

The paper says: "As a sign of gratitude, Ciccio goes to church every morning, sitting beneath the altar, near the priest.

"His hope to see his beloved Maria, the person he accompanied everywhere, even in church, moves the faithful."

It adds the parish priest "does not dare" to chase him away.