FLEA ridden and weak, these two devoted companions were left tied to a gate with a note saying "please help us".

Max, a labrador-cross and Tara, a collie-cross, are being cared for by vets in Bishop Auckland, but last night the RSPCA appealed for help in tracing the owners of dogs, which are quite old.

They were found, on Saturday, tied to a gate near Ash Grove, in Spennymoor, with a note which said: "Please help us. Our names are Max and Tara. We need to stay together. We have been locked in a coal shed for six years".

Tara could hardly walk when she was taken to Wilson's Veterinary Surgery, in Tenter Street, Bishop Auckland. She has an abscess, which is extremely painful.

Both dogs are infested with fleas and have severe dental disease, which will result in them having to have a lot of their teeth removed.

Vet Kathryn Race said: "They are both such lovely dogs. They are very trusting and their tails started wagging the moment they arrived.

"They are two very old dogs who have obviously been neglected. They are in need of a lot of tender, love and care.

"It is so sad because they are so dependant on each other. Wherever Max goes Tara follows and they curl up together on their bed.''

Inspector Gavin Butterfield said he was concerned about how the dogs were abandoned and was anxious to find out as much detail as possible.

Anyone with information should contact the RSPCA on 08705 555999.