RSPCA inspectors have appealed for the owner of a collie-cross dog to collect the pet after it was found waiting patiently outside a supermarket.

Kind shoppers took the loveable dog home with them after it spent five hours tied to railings outside Morrisons Supermarket, in Bishop Auckland, on Bank Holiday Monday.

The male dog, which has been neutered, is now in the care of the RSPCA at Great Ayton, North Yorkshire.

Inspector Ian Jackson said: "The dog had a fairly new collar and lead and it is possible his owner went shopping and forgot to take him home with them.

"We cannot understand how anyone could have abandoned him. He is such a lovely dog. He was totally relaxed with the people who took him in."

Inspector Jackson said that so far no one had reported the dog missing but it was possible the owners would still be looking for it.

Anyone who knows about the dog or who would be prepared to give it a home if its owners do not come forward should contact the RSPCA at Great Ayton on (01642) 724016