A woman said she spent much of the day in tears after helping fulfil a dying man's wish to see a Highland cow one last time.

Christopher Cooksey, 89, has had a special affection for the cattle since he courted his wife during a holiday in the Scottish Highlands.

As he receives palliative care at home in Basildon, Essex, his family appealed online for a Highland cow to visit him at his bedside.

Local cattle owner Chloe Lucas responded to the appeal, arranging for her nearly two-year-old cow, Margaret, to visit Cooksey.

“I am so blown away. I spent most of the day crying yesterday. It was just incredible,” Lucas said.

She said she received an influx of messages from local residents following the family's appeal, including one from Cooksey's daughter, Helen Cooksey.

Lucas, who runs Highland Hideout in Basildon, said she spent Sunday night gathering the necessary documents, insurance details and transport arrangements to make the visit possible. She arranged a truck and trailer to carry Margaret, who weighs about 250kg (39st 5lb).

The 40-year-old, who also works as a nurse, said she made it her “mission” to bring Margaret to Cooksey.

Her cattle also graze in Norsey Woods and at Hannakins Farm in Billericay, as well as Wat Tyler Country Park in Pitsea.

“That is something I just never thought in my wildest dreams that I would ever do,” Lucas said.

She described seeing Cooksey kiss Margaret as “the most amazing moment”.

The family kept the visit a surprise until the cow's hooves crossed the threshold of their front door.

Helen Cooksey praised Lucas for moving “heaven and earth” to make her father's wish come true.

“People are so, so kind and it was one of the most amazing precious memories that we're going to have,” she said.