VETS are appealing for the owners of a six month old puppy to come forward after it was hit by a car.

The shaggy collie cross was left lying in the road after the car failed to stop but was rescued by a passer-by who took it to Wilson's Veterinary Surgery, in Tenter Street, Bishop Auckland.

The female dog suffered a broken hind leg, an injury to its right shoulder and a ruptured lung in the accident near the Spectrum Leisure Centre, Willington, on Tuesday.

Paul Wilson, who owns the surgery, said: "It is a lovely dog and it is pulling through. It is just a case of finding its owner or finding another home for it.

"The owner may be a genuine person who has just not thought of ringing the vets. We are hoping to operate on it at the weekend."

The owner can contact the surgery on (01388) 602707.