THERE is plenty of baby talk at a Bishop Auckland vet's since the arrival of a new mother and her fast-growing brood.

Maisie's five puppies were only a few hours old when they were handed in to Paul Wilson's surgery, in Tenters Street, last week.

The two-year-old Jack Russell bitch had been heavily pregnant when she was found and cared for by an animal lover.

Practice administrator Rachel Booth said: "They will be a week old tomorrow, so it will be another six weeks before they can leave their mum.

"Unfortunately, the lady who found her has a dog of her own and couldn't keep her.

"We are hoping to either find a foster home where the puppies can live until they find permanent homes, or people who will take them in six weeks' time.

"She is a fantastic mum who is not fazed by anything going on around her and will make a lovely pet.

"It is too soon to tell what the father was. The puppies are already quite chunky and are getting bigger every day."

Anyone who would like to give a home to Maisie and her puppies, which are all bitches, should telephone the surgery on (01388) 602707.