A NUMBER of older dogs are desperately in need of new homes, according to the RSPCA animal centre at Great Ayton.

The North Yorkshire centre currently has about seven dogs which are aged between nine and ten and deputy manager Debbie Fowle said they are often overlooked.

"They are perfectly fit and healthy but they are looked over because they are slightly older dogs when there are so many puppies and younger dogs."

Among the pets in need of a good loving home environment are Ridley and Rouso, a dog and bitch. They are both medium-sized, cross breeds and thought to be aged between eight and ten. They were taken to Great Ayton in March when their owner became ill and unable to care for them.

They are described as being house- trained, they travel well, are good with cats and children over the age of seven and can be left on their own for about four hours. They can be housed separately or together.

Jack, a seven year-old border collie cross breed is also in need of a new home. It, too, travels well and is house trained and good with children but does not like cats. It can only be left for a couple of hours as it likes lots of attention.

Anyone wanting to consider adopting any of the animals should call the centre on (01642) 724016.

Read more about the Animal Watch campaign here.