A ONE-YEAR-OLD puppy was left a "shivering wreck" after being abandoned overnight outside a dog rescue centre.

Staff at the Dogs' Trust, in Sadberge, near Darlington, found the pet tied to the gates of the home with rope on Wednesday morning.

They have named the timid crossbreed Romeo, as he was left there not long before Valentine's Day. Now they are trying to find him a new home.

Sarah Shreeve, from the home, said: "When he was found on Wednesday morning he was a shivering wreck. You can see he was so scared by the ordeal. It's not that common to get dogs left outside - it happens maybe about twice a year."

She said Romeo was not in a bad physical state, but was very nervous.

"He's happy to be stroked and very friendly," she said. "But just don't make any sudden movements around him. He'd never bite, he just shivers and cries."

Romeo, who is about a year old, needs a home where he will get a lot of love and attention, preferably where there are no very young children.

Anyone who can help is asked to call the centre on (01325) 333114.

* People who give homes to the centre's rescue dogs the weekend before Valentine's Day will receive a free heart-shaped balloon.

Make Gangster's day with offer of a home

A TOUGH-LOOKING dog is looking for a nice family home.

Gangster the boxer dog is being looked after by Redcar man Keith Rutherford on behalf of the National Animal Sanctuary Support League.

The pet was abandoned and taken on by the charity, based at Sadberge, near Darlington, but all attempts to find him a home have so far failed.

"He's called Gangster, but he's really a gentle fella," said Mr Rutherford.

Pauline Wilson, of the league, said: "Gangster is a typical boxer in the fact they never grow up - they are still babies until they are ten or 11.

"He is a lovely dog and very people-orientated.

"We would be looking for someone who has had a boxer before and knows the breed's idiosyncrasies. We would also like someone who likes walks."

She said he would suit a family with children aged over eight.

Anyone who is interested can call (01325) 321855 or 07748 268822.