Unwanted dogs from Romania have been given a second chance in life after a Norfolk sanctuary brought them over to England to find new homes.

Fourteen Romanian dogs arrived at Hillside Animal Sanctury, near Frettenham, on Thursday after the organisation joined forces with Happy Angels House Rescue, an animal shelter in Romania.

One of the dogs, Petronel, has found a permanent new home, but the rest of them are still seeking families to care for them.

John Watson, from Hillside, said the sanctuary had been aware for some time that there were many dogs in need in Romania, and the sanctuary hopes to save many more dogs now that UK quarantine laws have been brought into line with other EU countries.

Mr Watson said: 'Every one of their stories is a real tear-jerker and we want to give these dogs a new start. They are such friendly dogs. Please give one of these dogs a chance. Come along and meet them because they are so deserving and so lovely. The more we rehome now, the more we can rehome in the future.'

For more information visit www.hillside.org.uk or call 01603 736200.

Among the dogs brought over from Romania are:

• Seven-year-old Brick was abandoned after probably living his whole life on a chain. He is a gentle soul, great with people and fine with other dogs.

• Jaggy, about a year old, was found wandering the streets and has lost his sight. He loves people, but is frightened of other dogs.

• Sanni is under a year old and was found on the streets. She is a happy puppy and good with cats, dogs and people.

• Wendy, perhaps a year old, was abandoned by her owners when she developed sight problems and she is now blind. She loves people and is excellent with other dogs.

• Donna, about two or three-years- old, was found in a bad neighbourhood. Two of her puppies had been killed and her front legs had been cut by a knife. She is gentle, peaceful and delicate, and is one of the sweetest dogs.

• Nine-month-old Lord was found poisoned but has been nursed back to health. He is a big dog, but very gentle and sweet.

• Mosu is an old male dog who is very gentle and sweet.

• Dalma was blinded in one eye when she was attacked with a pitchfork.

• Petronel, between four and five- years-old, was found injured, blinded.