A DOG found abandoned on Christmas Eve was taken in and treated to festive lunch by the RSPCA.

The Staffordshire cross, nicknamed Joseph, was discovered tied to a lamppost on Benfield Road in Newcastle at about 9pm, cold and nervous.

He was taken to the RSPCA centre near Chester-le-Street, County Durham where he was treated to some tender, loving care and a Christmas dinner.

The charity is now appealing for information on Joseph, as he was not microchipped and had no form of identification – just a collar and a lead. He is thought to be about five years old and is in reasonable health.

RSPCA Inspector Suzanne Edgar said: “When the caller found him he was understandably nervous, but he’s very friendly.

“An RSPCA animal collection officer took him to a vet where he spent the night, before I took him to Felledge Animal Centre on Christmas Day.

“There are some shops near to where he was found and the person who spotted Joseph made enquiries at those, as well as the nearby pub and off-licence, but nobody knew anything about him.

“Someone has presumably tied him to the lamp post on purpose and either dumped him, or they simply forgot about him.

“It’s so sad to think of a dog being abandoned at any time of year, but especially at Christmas when most people are enjoying themselves with their friends, family and pets.

“I’m just so grateful to the person who found him and called us because otherwise Joseph could have been left out all night. Thankfully the staff at Felledge have made sure he’s been given plenty of Christmas treats.”

Anyone with information on Joseph is asked to call Inspector Edgar via the RSPCA’s appeal line on 0300-123-8018.