A YOUNG greyhound is hoping to celebrate Christmas in the loving surroundings of a new family.

Billy's career as a racing dog was a non-starter when the young dog refused to run.

Now, his owners have handed him over to a greyhound rescue volunteer, who is hoping she can find him a new home.

Angela Taylor, who is looking after Billy and several others like him in Spennymoor, is hoping that he will find a loving home.

She said: "He is a fabulous looking dog with a loving personality. He really is a sweetheart.

"He hasn't been badly treated, in fact, he has been well looked after.

"Unfortunately, his owners had bought him to race, but he refuses to run.

"So they have asked me to find him a home.''

Billy has been fully vaccinated and neutered and chipped. He needs a family who will spend quality time with him and take him on lots of walks.

Anyone who can offer him a home can contact Angela Taylor on (01388) 812782.