A PEDIGREE dog nobody wanted has battled back from life-threatening injuries to spearhead a new campaign which aims to train unwanted pets for the benefit of the community.

Sally, a black Labrador, has been trained as a guide dog and understands instructions in both German and English.

Sally's future looked bleak just over a year ago when it was seriously hurt in a road accident in Sedgefield, County Durham, and retrieved by a council dog warden.

Eric Beevers, environmental health manager at Sedgefield Borough Council, said: "Luckily she was found alive, but only just, and for some time it was touch and go whether or not she would pull through."

Sally received life-saving treatment from the Clifton Lodge Veterinary Surgery in Sedgefield, for a number of injuries, including a broken leg.

Nobody came forward to reclaim Sally, but Deerness Kennels, the Durham and District Branch of the RSPCA, agreed to look after the dog.

Sally came to the attention of dog trainer Ian Young who took it to the Midlands initially, then to Germany where it was trained as a service dog.

Mr Young was unable to find anybody in Germany who was suitable for Sally, so he has kept the dog himself.

Now Mr Young is aiming to open a centre in County Durham to rescue unwanted dogs and wherever possible train them to assist disabled people.

He said: "One year on from her injuries, Sally will play an important part in the fundraising campaign for a new organisation which aims to rescue unwanted dogs and train them to be of service to the community."

To make this possible, a sponsored walk is planned this July in which Sally will accompany Mr Young from his base in the centre of Germany to Chester-le-Street, where it is hoped to establish the new centre.

Anyone who would like further information is asked to call Ruth Young on 0191-3886156.