HE might be top dog on US television but Jerry Springer is now lapping up life in more down-to-earth surroundings.

When Pauline Dargue, a carer at Westerleigh Care Home in Stanley, dropped off bedding and tins of dog foot at a Tyneside animal sanctuary, she never expected to return with a new pet.

But one look at a springer spaniel housed by the Newcastle Cat and Dog Shelter and Sanctuary, and Pauline knew she had a new friend and named him Jerry Springer.

The shelter has had one of its hardest years, following the foot-and-mouth crisis. Fewer animals have been rehomed and more have been turning up, needing food and shelter.

When staff and residents at the Westerleigh Care Home heard about the plight, they delivered 12 sacks of bedding and 150 tins of dog and cat food.

Pauline, from Burnopfield, County Durham, said: "Three of the staff at the home have dogs who have passed away lately, myself included and when we heard of the plight of the shelter we were determined to help.

"I am amazed at the response we got."