A PUPPY left bald by parasites was dumped and left to die in freezing conditions in Teesside.

The ten-week-old bitch was dumped in a Sports Direct bag for life in woodland close to Ingleby Barwick on Thursday.

Luckily, a couple discovered the pup in the woods near Lowfields Avenue, at about 12.30pm.

She has been named Eleven after the character from the Netflix series Stranger Things, who was also found in the woods.

The small dog is virtually bald from severe mange, covered in scabs and sores, was very thin and was hungry when she was discovered.

Temperatures had plummeted to about minus two degrees celcius – and vets said she would have died had she not been found, as five inches of snow fell in the area just hours after she was rescued.

She was brought to Jacqui Paterson's Veterinary Clinic in Stockton by the couple who found her.

RSPCA Inspector Kristina Raine, who is investigating how the puppy came to be abandoned in such a poor condition, said: “The poor mite looks more like a Christmas turkey than a puppy.

“She isn’t microchipped and was freezing cold and hungry when they brought her in.

"She was found inside the Sports Direct bag which was covered in glitter from Christmas decorations with an old curtain inside."

She said she was concerned about the rest of the litter and other puppies.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the RSPCA on 0300-123-8018.

Despite her ordeal, the puppy is very friendly and eating and drinking well, and is now receiving treatment for her skin condition.

As she is so bald and small, there is still no clue what breed she is but she is believed to be a Staffie.

Inspector Raine is hoping she will bounce back and recover quickly.

Senior vet nurse at the clinic, Eloise Owen, said: "She is such a lovely and friendly girl; it’s heart-breaking to think someone abandoned her out in the freezing cold.

"So far she is making good progress and we hope she will go on to make a full recovery and find the loving and forever home she deserves." She said a member of staff was temporarily fostering Eleven over New Year.

From Christmas Eve to Boxing Day this year, the RSPCA received 2,479 calls to its national cruelty line. From these calls there were more than 700 complaints and 193 of these were concerning abandoned animals over the Christmas period.

If you are concerned about an animal, please call the RSPCA’s 24-hour cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.

This Christmas the RSPCA is asking the public to support its Kindness at Christmas campaign. For more information visit www.rspca.org.uk/winterappeal