A huge dog, weighing in at 10 stones, was rescued by a dog warden after knocking a woman to the ground.

The massive Newfoundland Landfeer was found wandering the streets near Birtree Lane in Darlington on Tuesday morning. He jumped up at a resident, knocking her over.

A neighbour pulled the playful dog off the woman called Darlington Borough Council dog warden John Martin.

Mr Martin said: "He's a well looked after dog with a collar and lead and would cost about £700 as a puppy.

"He's about two years old and very boisterous. A dog like this takes a lot of looking after and he has got some matted fur."

At first Mr Martin thought the black and white dog had simply pulled away from its owner and would soon be reclaimed but no-one has come forward.

He said: "We have tried every avenue to try to find this dog's owner.

"There are no signs of him being mistreated and we are still desperate to find his home."

Anyone with information is asked to call (01325) 388558 or (01325) 333114.