The plight of 200 Norfolk Labradors needing homes has touched the hearts of hundreds of people across the nation and even as far away as Germany.

The plight of 200 Norfolk Labradors needing homes has touched the hearts of hundreds of people across the nation and even as far away as Germany.

Since the EDP reported on the bankruptcy of Swanton Morley dog breeder Christina Cade last week, accountancy firm Baker Tilly, which is now overseeing the sale of the dogs, has been inundated with callers.

So many people have contacted them that they have hired somebody to deal with the calls and set up a special hotline.

About 90 of the 200 Labradors have now been sold and the interest in giving the dogs good homes shows no signs of letting up.

Pedigree Labradors usually fetch between £400 and £500 but these pets are being sold for as little as £100, with the most expensive dogs costing about £350.

“There have been an overwhelming number of enquiries about the dogs. We have had hundreds of people contacting us by phone and through our website - with one person even emailing us from Berlin,” said Tony Hannon from Baker Tilly.

“The original phoneline only took calls after 7pm which meant that a lot of people could not get through, and so we set up a new phoneline and have employed a lady called Jane who looks after all the calls.

“We have been making sure all the dogs are matched up to suitable owners and it is great that we have already found homes for nearly half of them.”

Mr Hannon said the youngest puppies have been generating the most interest and, although there are still a few puppies left, they were now especially keen to hear from people who want slightly older dogs. Most of the remaining Labradors are aged between 12 months and two years.

Nigel Millar, also from Baker Tilly, said they were keen to get each dog out of the kennels and into a welcoming home where it is individually cared for as soon as possible.

Miss Cade had bred dogs at her home in Woodgate Lane, Swanton Morley for more than a decade.

For more information on the Labradors call 01284 772170 Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. Messages can be left outside of normal working hours. The line will closed during the Easter break and will re-open on Tuesday, April 10.