AN abandoned greyhound is adding to overcrowding problems at the Ramshaw Rescue Centre, near Bishop Auckland.

With boarding kennels filling up for the holiday season, owner Kate Wilson was ready to put up the no vacancies sign when the starving brindle bitch appeared on Thursday night.

Tied to the centre's sign, she made such a pathetic sight that Mrs Wilson had no choice but to take her in.

She said: "She is a lovely affectionate dog and I would love to find her a home.

"We are full, but I had to take her in. We have other dogs looking for homes as well as a busy boarding business, so we are bursting at the seams."

The dog was left between 5pm and 6pm and the owners may have been captured on closed circuit security camera footage.

Anyone who can give a home to the greyhound, who is about five years old, or any of the centre's abandoned pets, can telephone (01388) 834644.