TEN new-born puppies at Great Ayton need a foster-mum after their mother died following a difficult birth.

The tiny springer spaniels need a bitch to suckle, being at present fed every two hours with formula milk through syringe tubes.

They were born on Tuesday. The pups' mother, Fern, died the following day. She belonged to Ann Barnes, of Romany Road, who is upset at the loss.

Her friend, Trish Benson, contacted the D&S Times to see if readers could help.

Six puppies were born naturally, and the last four were delivered by an emergency caesarian carried out by a vet

Fern had her first litter two years ago, but Mrs Barnes was worried this time about the animal's particularly large size.

She will get the puppies on to bottles as soon as possible, but hopes readers will come forward with a suitable bitch; contact her on 01642 724629