The newspaper has teamed up with the National Animal Sanctuary Support League, in Darlington, to highlight the plight of unwanted pets needing homes.

The charity carries out home checks and all adult cats and dogs are neutered and vaccinated.

Visit the NASSL online at www.nassl.org.uk

An eight-month old labradorcross dog is in need of a new home.

Pauline Wilson, from the National Animal Sanctuaries Support League, said Sandy needed an owner who would be at home most of the day.

She said: "He is a lovely, happy little chap, very friendly, and he will make someone a lovely pet. He is used to cats and fine with other dogs, but because of his young age he really needs someone who is not out of the house for more than a couple of hours a day."

Sandy was one of a litter of 13 puppies which the National Animal Sanctuaries Support League rehomed last year, but he was returned because his owners did not have enough time to spend with him.

Anyone interested in rehoming Sandy can contact the National Animal Sanctuaries Support League on (01325) 321855 or 07748 268822

Unwanted Samoyed dog Oliver, who was featured last month, has found a new home.

The nine-year-old dog was taken in by the National Animal Sanctuary Support League, in Darlington, after his owners could no longer care for him.

The sanctuary said yesterday that Oliver had found a home with a mother and son in Robin Hood's Bay, North Yorkshire.

A lively dog called Buster is in need of a new home after his previous owners had to give him up.

The one-year-old Jack Russell/Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross would suit a family keen on walking, with children aged over ten.

"He's okay with little ones, but he's very boisterous so slightly older children would probably be better," said Pauline Wilson, from the National Animal Sanctuaries Support League.

"But he's an absolutely lovely dog, a real character who gets on with other dogs and who has been fully vaccinated. Ideally, his new owner would be someone who is at home for part of the day and someone who likes walking. Buster will be a pleasure to take out."

Anyone willing to give Buster a home is asked to call (01325) 321855 or 07748 268822.