DOGS living at a county rescue shelter will each receive a festive goody bag this Christmas thanks to Herefordshire Council staff.

The environmental health and trading standards team saved £330 to buy treats and for the dogs at Hereford and Worcester Animal Rescue Centre, which is near Leominster.

Marc Willimont, head of the department, said: "Environmental health and trading standards hold the strays for seven days in the Madley Kennels that we use.

"If they’re unclaimed they then go to Hereford and Worcester Animal Rescue Centre for rehoming or possible destruction – we hope the former.

"The telephonist staff here get very close to the calls that come in and follow the cases and unclaimed dogs. This was their initiative and all credit to them."