EIGHT homeless puppies have sought refuge at the most unlikeliest place -a cat shelter.

The mother and her young litter were left out in the cold until help arrived from a caring group of cat lovers.

Maria Harrison, who runs The Willows cat shelter, in East Boldon, South Tyneside, said they could not turn the litter away.

She said: "We could not let these puppies fall into the wrong hands."

Bosses at the shelter temporarily fostered the dogs out so they did not come into contact with the 50 cats at The Willows.

The Willows can be contacted on 0191-5366 221.