A dog that was rescued from a house where more than 200 animals were being kept in horrendous conditions is enjoying a second lease of life with new owners.

Cheng, a four-year-old shitsu, has recovered fully after RSPCA inspectors discovered him in an emaciated and dirty condition at a cottage in Lancashire.

He was one of 271 animals removed from the overcrowded home of a woman who was obsessed with animals but could not cope with looking after them.

Retired couple Raymond and Doreen Langsley, of Ashfield, Newton Aycliffe, agreed to adopt Cheng.

Mr Langsley said: "When we heard about the number of animals removed from that house we knew we wanted to help and give one a new home.

"We didn't pick him when we went to the RSPCA animal centre at Great Ayton. He picked us. Straight away he was part of the family. He's so friendly."