A FAMILY pet delivered a surprise Christmas gift when it gave birth to five pups.

Snowy, a two-year-old West Highland Terrier, gave birth to its first litter on Christmas Day.

The five pups, all female, had been due on December 29, but the first was born at 2pm on Christmas Day.

Snowy belongs to ten-year-old Sacha Mitchell of School Aycliffe, County Durham.

Mother Carol Mitchell said: "It's her first litter and Sacha was absolutely thrilled. It was a lovely present on Christmas Day."

The dogs have been named Holly, Angel, Noel, Santa and Cupid. Sacha, who attends St Joseph's Primary School in Newton Aycliffe, is keeping Angel.

Mrs Mitchell said: "The vet said it's quite rare to get a litter of five where they're all the same sex.

"Sacha said it's the best Christmas present ever. It really has been a lovely experience."