A TEAM of cheeky terriers from Southampton are desperate to find a new home.

These six Yorkshire terriers have found themselves homeless after their elderly owners became too ill to look after them.

They all have boundless energy and love to play, run around in the garden and learn new tricks.

Now a Southampton charity is looking for cosy new homes for Basil, Floppers, Cocky, Sally, Girl Pup and Florence.

The pups are all staying at the Blue Cross rehoming shelter in West End where volunteers have said they are a cheeky bunch who love each other's company and would be great pets for families with young children.

The pack was originally bred as working dogs as Yorkies need a lot of exercise and enjoy playing games and training.

But sadly they were too energetic for their elderly owners to keep up with and now they are all hoping to find a new home.

Volunteers have said that they are still very happy despite moving homes and any family would be lucky to have a Yorkie addition to their house.

Kirsty Smith, Animal Welfare Supervisor at Blue Cross in Southampton, said: “These six are real characters and will make lovely pets. We’re really glad that their owners were able to turn to Blue Cross for help when they were no longer able to cope with their dogs and we’re looking forward to seeing them all settled in new homes very soon.

She added: "Typically Yorkies are very active but are always happy to curl up on the sofa at the end of the day as volunteers have urged people across Hampshire to think carefully about how well they could care for the dogs.

"With their long coats, Yorkies need regular grooming and these pups may struggle at first to be separated having spent years together but they are all very playful and would be happy in a family home, preferably with a garden to run around in."

Anyone who thinks they could help on of these Yorkshire lads or lasses can contact Blue Cross Southampton on 0300 777 1530 or email southampton@bluecross.org.uk.