A HEFTY dog with an expressive face and infectious personality is in need of a new home.

Alfie, a three-year-old bull mastiff, is being cared for by the National Animal Sanctuary Support League at its farm near Darlington.

The eight stone dog, described as a gentle giant, was taken on by the charity when its owners could no longer look after it because of a change in their circumstances.

Pauline Wilson, from the National Animal Sanctuary Support League, said: "He is absolutely fabulous. We have never had a bull mastiff before, but he has been an absolute joy.

"He is intelligent, he is playful, he gets on with any dogs and he loves people."

Alfie would probably be most suited to owners who have had previous experience of the breed or know quite a lot about bull mastiffs.

Mrs Wilson said: "He is a big dog and you really need to know what you are doing.

"They are not your average first family pet, although he does have a lovely, sound temperament."

The playful dog does not need a lot of exercise, because of its heavy build, so a couple of walks a day should be sufficient.

Mrs Wilson said: "He is very expressive, with a fabulous face, and uses his eyebrows a lot."

Anyone interested in re-homing Alfie is asked to contact Mrs Wilson at the National Animal Sanctuary Support League on (01325) 321855 or 07748 268822.