MONTY, an 18-month-old Staffordshire bull terrier needs a new home.

He has been living at the National Animal Sanctuaries Support League kennels, on a farm near Darlington, for the last four months.

Pauline Wilson, who works for the charity, said that Monty was taken there just before the foot-and-mouth crisis began.

Because the charity is based on a farm, it has been subject to restrictions on movement of animals.

She said: "It is the same old story with Monty. The people who had him got him as a puppy, and then he grew, needed a lot of exercise and they did not have the commitment to look after him."

Monty is a very friendly, good-natured dog, who loves people and would make an excellent pet.

Anyone interested in offering him a home should contact Pauline on (01325) 321855 or on 07748 268822