HE had a rough start but now this lively pooch has been given a new lease of life.

Dexter was abandoned in a box in the New Forest when he was a tiny puppy, along with his sisters Sally and Sue.

The trio were covered in dirt and fleas and suffering from worms when they discovered at just five-weeks-old by a passing dog walker in a sorry state who took them straight to the Southampton Blue Cross rescue centre in Hedge End.

Staff at the centre, in Bubb Lane, West End worked tirelessly to bring them back to health after their ordeal.

But now his life has been turned around since he was taken in by a family who spotted him in the Daily Echo.

The English bull terrier cross, who was originally named Worzel, melted the hearts of readers Claire and Darren Zammit, 46, and their five-year-old daughter Amber who were keen to adopt him.

Claire, 44, an assistant bar manager said: "I just fell in love with him. It was the way his face was and the way he looked.

"We had been looking around for a dog for a while and then we saw his story in the Echo.

"It was heart breaking. We wanted to go see him because we didn't like the thought of any animal being abandoned.

"Anything could have happened when they were out in the forest. I think it could have been a lot worse.

"He's gentle as anything. He's very friendly and lively and he greets everyone with a wagging tail and a jump or two.

"We wouldn't change him for the world."

Dexter moved in with the Zammits on September 20 at two-months-old and quickly became part of the family, which also includes three cats, Izzy, Denis and Caramel.

Sally and Sue also found new homes.

For information about rescuing a Blue Cross pet visit: bluecross.org.uk.