HOPING that the New Year brings better luck and nice, new homes are two lucky puppies which were found shivering in the cold having been abandoned over the festive period in Leigh.

Fortunately for cheeky little Charlie and his pal, lurcher pup Angel, those kind people from PUP (Prevent Unwanted Pets) stepped-in to bring them some warmth and love in 2006.

Local PUP organiser Sue Taylor explained the pair's predicament: "Angel is a lurcher cross bitch, mainly black with white markings and aged about 10-12 weeks. She was found in an horrendous condition on Christmas Eve near Bedford High School at Leigh.

"She was extremely emaciated and very timid but our foster carers will help bring her out of her shell. She's a lovely little girl."

Cheeky Charlie was left to fend for himself at just five weeks old on January 2 when he was discovered in the Diamond Street area of Leigh.

"He was troubled with fleas and had sores on his neck. He's a cross-bred white dog with a black patch and looks as if he will grow to medium size and make someone a fine companion. He's a really cheeky little puppy."

PUP was founded in December 1986 because of the founder members' concern about the appalling suffering of unwanted animals. The charity uses its funds to help people on a low income (such as Income Support or Family Credit) towards the cost of having their dogs and cats spayed or neutered. PUP is run entirely by volunteers and receives no government aid.

PUP provides help towards the cost of doctoring pets for people on a low income and thereby prevents the suffering of unwanted animals.

Sue said Charlie and Angels would be de-flead, wormed and vaccinated and given a 'full MOT' before they were housed with new owners who would first be vetted by PUP. Part of the adoption agreement is that PUP will neuter the animal at a certain age.

*Anyone interested in adopting Charlie or Angel should ring PUP on 01942 671612 .