VISITORS to a popular park were able to get up close and personal with dogs in need of a new home.

Volunteers from Greyhounds Galore, which takes in hundreds of abandoned or neglected greyhounds and lurchers, were present to show off some of their animals at Stewart Park, in Middlesbrough, on Saturday.

Most of the animals at Greyhounds Galore, which is based in Newby, near Middlesbrough, are ex-racers, either too old or not good enough to make money for their owners on dog racing tracks in the region.

The charity was launched last year and, since then, it has been able to re-home 74 dogs around the North-East.

Money to support the work is raised in a number of ways, including stalls at dog shows and car boot sales.

Organiser and founder Pat Smith said: "Greyhounds make lovely pets, they are very gentle loveable dogs."

To find out more about Greyhounds Galore, call Ms Smith on 01642-322239.