CHILDREN in Darlington are providing much-needed comfort for stray dogs this winter.

Pupils are collecting old blankets and towels which can be recycled as bedding for four-legged friends who have been picked up by Darlington Borough Council dog wardens.

The wardens look after strays for up to seven days, until they are reclaimed by their owners or sent to one of the area's rehoming centres.

The wardens need fresh bedding for every dog they home and house around eight animals a week.

All the donations will be used by the dog wardens to make dog beds for the kennels.

Dog warden Andy Wood said: "We have a lot of dogs coming into the kennels, especially at this time of year and each dog has to have its own bedding to stop the spread of contagious illnesses or other ailments.

"These donations from school children across Darlington will make it much easier for us to ensure the dogs have a comfortable, warm stay with us before they are reunited with their owners or found new homes."