TIME is running out for this cuddly character who is on death row at a North-East kennels.

The tan and white collie cross mongrel was found wandering in Kilburn Street, Shildon, County Durham, on Saturday, wearing a collar, but no identification.

A notice in Brian's Pet Supplies in Church Street, in the town, and an advertisement in a local free newspaper failed to trace the overweight, but jolly character's owners.

Now, the dog is waiting in hope that someone will take pity as it spends what could prove to be its final days at a council compound, at Deerness Kennels, in Langley Moor, near Durham.

Janet Carruthers, from Brian's Pet Supplies, said the woman who found the dog was heartbroken to have handed him over, but could not keep him.

She said: "They said it was a lovely dog and it seems such a shame that he has to end his days there."

The dog's plight has also caused great concern among customers at the pet shop who keep asking if someone has come forward.

Kevin Forsyth, from the kennels, confirmed that nothing would happen to the dog until Tuesday.

Anyone who would like to take the dog in would only have to pay the cost of his keep for the time he was at the kennels. The compound can be contacted on 0191-378 0439