A LITTER of seven puppies discarded like rubbish on a roadside are recovering from their rough start to life thanks to cuddles and round the clock care.

The defenceless pups were discovered in a box left on Butterwick Lane, near the A66, in Sedgefield, County Durham, and were thought to be just one-week-old.

But despite being abandoned and alone, the litter slowly began to respond to canine carers at Dogs Trust Darlington, who fed them every two hours for their first ten days.

Two members of staff shared the responsibility of looking after the handful by hand-rearing them in their own homes before the puppies could be weaned onto solid food after three weeks.

Sharon Boult, a training behaviour advisor at the Trust’s rehoming centre in Sadberge, said the pups were “very lucky” and allowed her daughter, Ellie, to name the pups they were caring for, calling the adorable foursome Dakota, Georgia, Nevada and Texas.

Their three brothers and sisters, cared for by Jo Alford, gave her sons Jack and Tom the job of naming the pups now called Daisy, Diva and Kong.

Now, at just over two months old, the puppies can be rehomed and have all found new owners.

Ms Boult said: “We would always encourage anyone who is coping with an unwanted litter to get in touch with their local pound or rescue, as the litter will receive all the care they need and get every opportunity to thrive in a new home.”