A NEW home is being sought for a Jack Russell terrier which was found wandering the streets on Boxing Day.

The dog, which is white with tan patches, is believed to be about a year old.

He has been named Buster by staff at the National Canine Defence League centre, at Sadberge, near Darlington, where he is being cared for until a new home is found.

The dog was found in the street in Thornaby. It was wearing a black leather collar.

A family looked after it for the night before taking it to the National Canine Defence League kennels the next morning.

Barbara Beaton, assistant manager at the centre, said: "He seems quite friendly. We haven't had any problems with him in the kennels."

The centre issued a plea for homes just before Christmas, because the kennels were becoming overcrowded. A number of pet lovers responded.

Mrs Beaton said: "A lot of people came forward just before Christmas and we have got a lot of dogs out on short-term foster at the moment.

"Fortunately, they have taken the dogs for Christmas and New Year, so they are not in a kennel environment for that time.

"A lot will come back in the first week of January, but we are also hoping a lot will turn into long-term homes as well. If all the short-term dogs do come back, it is going to be quite a struggle."

For details about dogs looking for homes, including Buster, call (01325) 333114 or log on to www.ncdl.org.u