A DOG with a rags to riches - and then back to rags - tale is in need of a new home.

Vinnie, a six-year-old brindle Staffordshire bull terrier, was first rescued from the streets by a woman from Tadcaster two years ago, who nursed him back to health and took him into her home.

Since being made redundant the woman has had to move back in with her parents, who have no room to take Vinnie too.

The dog is being cared for the National Animal Sanctuaries Support League (Nassl), which is based near Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

Pauline Wilson, from Nassl, said: “Vinnie’s like a little bus, he’s a stocky thing. He’s everything that’s good about Staffies, he’s happy and he loves to go out for a walk. He’s very people orientated.

“He was rescued off the streets so it’s a rags to riches, back to rags again story. He was in a bad condition when the lady found him but she brought him back to good health again.”

Mrs Wilson said Vinnie needs be rehomed with an experienced dog owner, preferably someone who has a love for the breed.

Anyone interested in adopting Vinnie, or would like information on other dogs, is asked to call Mrs Wilson on 01325-321855 or go to nassl.org.uk