AN animal charity has thanked people across the region for helping to find new homes for more than 100 dogs and 150 cats last year.

The National Animal Sanctuaries Support League (NASSL), based near Darlington, helps to rehome scores of animals every year.

Pauline Wilson, of the charity, said she wanted to thank readers of The Northern Echo for taking care of animals that had appeared on the pages of the newspaper needing new homes.

She said she wanted to speak out because the North-East is known as one of the worst regions in the country for animal cruelty.

She said: "It is an awful mantle for us to have to carry around. You hear horror stories, but we must not dwell on them because there are lots of very nice people who give lovely homes to rescued dogs, rabbits and cats.

"A charity cannot do it alone and we need the help and support of the public and we would like to say thanks."

Among the animals which were rehomed after appearing in The Northern Echo last year were:

* Sally, a 14-week-old terrier cross, whose owners could not cope with a puppy. She was rehomed with a couple from Newton Aycliffe.

* Benny, a ten-week-old greyhound, who was rehomed.

* Buster, a three-year-old dalmatian, whose owner was out at work all day. He was rehomed with a couple from Heighington, near Darlington.

The charity has food bins in Morrisons in Bishop Auckland, Netto in Darlington, and Somerfield in Newton Aycliffe, where customers can donate food to feed the rescued animals.