Daring rescue of kitten in a well: THE words of children's nursery rhyme Ding dong bell pussy's in the well rang true for a stray kitten.

Abandoned by her mother and with only a sibling for company, Dell's days seemed numbered when she fell down a disused garden well.

Fortunately she had been seen in the overgrown garden in Crook, by a resident, who contacted the Wear Valley and Darlington Cats Protection.

After a search, volunteer Ruth Ockendon found black-and-white Dell perched on a crevice in the well.

"Before I could feel scared or change my mind, I climbed down, I was more frightened I'd meet a spider than anything else," she said.

"It was after I'd passed the kitten to safety that I went all wobbly thinking of how I would get myself out."

Despite a search, the second kitten was not found.

Eight-week-old Dell has made a full recovery and is now looking for a home.

Anyone living in the Wear Valley and Darlington area who could give Dell a home is asked to call (01388) 776549

'Ideal family pet' with a lot of character: A black dog is in need of a new home.

Flint, a one-year-old beagle-labrador cross, is being looked after by a foster owner in Newton Aycliffe on behalf of the National Animal Sanctuary Support League (NASSL).

The dog, about the same size as a collie, has been vaccinated, micro-chipped and neutered.

Pauline Wilson, of the NASSL, said Flint would make an ideal family pet.

"He's an absolutely fabulous dog," she said.

"He gets on with other dogs, he gets on with cats and he gets on with rabbits, and he doesn't mind children.

"He would bring a lot of joy to a family looking for a dog with a lot of character and a lot of spirit."

The charity is also looking for a home for Tilly, a ginger queen cat, and has a number of kittens which need rehoming.

Anyone interested can contact Pauline Wilson on (01325) 321855 or 07748 268822.

Found on a riverbank: AN animal charity is looking for a home for a cat it fears is becoming attached to its temporary owner.

Donna Toroni, of Aristocat Rescue, has been caring for two-year-old Flo at her home in Newton Aycliffe for three months.

The cat was found on a riverbank and was rescued by a woman when she saw children throwing stones at it.

Because the cat was pregnant she took it in until it had given birth, then sought help from the charity.

Miss Toroni said: "She's got a very nice temperament, but can't be homed with another cat or dog because she doesn't take well to them.

"She loves to play and have a lot of fuss made of her and she's fine with children."

Anyone interested in giving Flo a home can contact Aristocats on (01325) 300290.