KIND-hearted officers and staff at Durham Police have taken the lead to ensure that rescue dogs don't get forgotten about at Christmas.

They have been collecting food, bedding and toys for the Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre in Sadberge, near Darlington, and will hand over the treats next month.

The collection was started by PC Steph Field, who works in Darlington’s safeguarding team and owns two dogs herself - a French bulldog called Hugo and an English bulldog called Bailey.

“Christmas is all about family, and to me my dogs are my family. I just wanted to make sure that the dogs at Dogs Trust who don’t have a family of their own aren’t forgotten about at Christmas,” she said.

“The collection started with the safeguarding team in Darlington, but we’ve since had donations from all over the force – including the control room, Bishop Auckland station and Peterlee.

“I have been completely overwhelmed by the support we’ve had so far, and we’re not even in to December yet.”

She added: “The collection isn’t just restricted to police officers. If members of the public want to donate something they are more than welcome to.”

Items can be dropped off at the front counter at Darlington Police station.

Sue Embleton, rehoming centre manager, said: “We are so grateful to Durham Constabulary and the public for their support and all generous donations we receive will go towards ensuring the dogs in our care receive all their home comforts at Christmas and beyond.

“The rehoming centre will be operating as normal over the festive season, but the staff will be doing everything they can to ensure residents get all the love and attention they deserve; at Christmas this includes a dog-friendly Christmas dinner with lots of presents.”