A YOUNG pup who survived freezing temperatures is looking for a new home where he can keep warm.

But fears are growing that Wellard, as he has now been named, is not an isolated case.

Hyndburn dog warden Stephen Wood found Wellard yesterday after a family in the Blackburn Road area of Accrington reported the sound of a dog crying. He said: "I got a call from a family who said they could hear a dog yapping all night on Thursday. Then when they got up on Friday morning they found him in their back yard.

"I have no idea how he survived but if he can survive a freezing night like that he must be well 'ard, hence the name.

"Unfortunately we found another puppy just like him later the same day in another back yard close by.

"The home owmer said there was no way the dog could have got in there so someone must have lifted it in and dumped it. There could be a whole litter of up to eight pups that have been disposed of like this."

The pups, believed to be around eight weeks old, are black Staffordshire cross breeds who love to play.

Stephen said: "They are the cutest little things going, someone is bound to fall in love with them."

Both pups are being cared for by Hyndburn Stray Dogs in Need until a new home can be found. For details, or to give Wellard a home call 07970 681225.