IMPROVEMENTS at a centre which seeks to speedily re-home or re-unite stray dogs with their owners have been officially opened.

Stray Aid is a welfare charity set up in Coxhoe, near Durham, in 2006.

It was launched by vet Sue Bielby and her husband, John, to improve the profile of stray dogs.

The Bielbys provide an on-site vet facility, Northern Stray Care.

Having originally housed strays in converted former stables, the premises have recently been improved.

The centre, at East Pastures Farm, off Cornforth Lane, now has 35 refurbished re-homing kennels, and its new reception and education centre were officially opened yesterday by Durham County Council chairman Brian Myers, and his wife, Alice.

Sarah Ward, who works part-time as receptionist and administrator, said: “If a dog is with us for four months, so be it.

“It’s walked, fed, and given fresh bedding for every day until we can find a new owner.”

Stray Aid is keen to attract more volunteers to help walk the dogs and assist with other tasks around the site.

Further information is available by emailing strayaid@live.co.uk or by ringing 0191-377-2415.