AT eight years old and unable to hear, Winston is a little rough around the edges and often goes by unnoticed at a North-East rehoming centre.

He has lived behind bars at the Dogs Trust since being picked up as a stray in the summer and staff are desperate to see him enjoy his final years in a loving home.

Sarah Shreeve, from the rehoming centre in Sadberge, near Darlington, said the friendly cross-breed is one of many dogs needing new owners who are prepared to make a commitment for life and not just for Christmas.

According to a recent survey, 11 per cent of people would buy a puppy or dog to give as a present on Christmas day - with the figure rising to 22 per cent among 15 to 24-year-olds.

Dogs Trust chief executive Clarissa Baldwin said: "Sadly, every year charities such as Dogs Trust have to pick up the pieces when people don't think through the commitment of sharing their life with a dog.

"Even before the New Year, our rehoming centres will already start to count the cost of impulse buying as dogs, old and young, are dumped on their doorsteps."

To give Winston a home, contact (01325) 333114.