STAFF at a Deblins Green animal rescue centre have made an urgent appeal for people willing to give abandoned dogs new homes to get in touch.

Worcestershire Animal Rescue Shelter manager Alex Husband says the shelter is full to capacity after being overrun with strays

"We've got 20 out of 21 kennels filled and are getting a lot of older dogs," he said.

"People have been abandoning them and it's not easy at the moment to re-home them because of the approaching summer holidays, with people deciding to put back getting a dog until afterwards.

"The football has also been reducing the number of people coming down here."

Dogs needing new homes include two lurcher puppies, four other lurchers (between seven months and four years), a German shepherd cross collie, a Staffordshire bull terrier, three terriers, a bearded collie and a springer spaniel collie cross.

Although only a few of the dogs are older and in need of medical attention, Mr Husband said: "We want someone who is may be prepared to deal with an older dog and who has plenty of time for them."

Anyone interested in finding out more about the dogs can do so by calling 01905 831651 or by looking at the website at www.pyrrha.demon.co.uk.

The shelter is also open to visitors between 11am and 3pm on Wednesdays to Sundays.