Supporters of an animal rescue charity are being urged to knit jumpers for dogs to help keep homeless people's pets warm this winter.

Dogs Trust, which has a rehoming centre in Snetterton, is urging people to help 'keep canines cosy' by knitting a doggy jumper.

The creations will be added to the canine hampers that the charity distributes, as part of its Hope Project, each year. The hampers include bowls, tinned food, leads, collars and toys.

The charity set up the project in 1994 and offers free and subsidised veterinary treatment to dogs whose owners are homeless or living in temporary accommodation.

Clare Kivlehan, Hope Project manager, said: 'The bond between any dog and owner is a strong one but for homeless people their dog can be their only friend. Each year we're delighted to be able to distribute these hampers to homeless hounds to help make Christmas happier for them and their owners.'

Non-knitters can also help contribute to the hampers by buying toys and treat stockings for the homeless dogs from website www.whatidlove.co.uk (list number 99188).

Jumpers should be sent to Dogs Trust Head Office, 17 Wakley Street, London, EC1V 7RQ, no later than the November 23. For more information, email hopeproject@dogstrust.org.uk