A KENNELS which helps care for hundreds of stray dogs every year has opened a new reception and shop.

Durham County Council chairman Cllr Brian Myers visited Deerness Kennels, near Durham City, today to officially open the new £20,000 reception block.

The kennels, at Langley Moor, have looked after more than 2,200 stray dogs in the last three years, including 700 this year.

Owner Linda Forsyth, who has owned the kennels for the last 21 years with husband Kevin, said: "The new reception will enable us to expand the rescue side, starting an educational programme for both adults and children about the safe keep and looking after dogs and other animals.

"We will put the emphasis on educating about the lifetime responsibility of owning a dog."

The new building will be wheelchair-friendly and have brand new CCTV to keep an eye on all of the kennels 24 hours a day.

Mrs Forsyth said: "It is vital to us that the people of the Durham area continue to support us as we have a policy that does not put any dogs to sleep.

"We try and get all stray dogs good homes across the county but we are always looking for people to donate dog-related things that will make the dogs stay with us a little better until we get them a home."

· Deerness Kennels is to hold a Christmas Fair from noon to 3pm on Sunday, November 29.