FURNITURE restorers have given an ageing dog a new lease of life.

The team from the furniture restoration department at St Teresa’s Hospice put their skills to good use to get a valued colleague back on his feet again.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Muttley, frequently visited the department with his owner, volunteer Alan James. However, severe arthritis meant a painful struggle to get in and out of Mr James’ car.

Staff and volunteers leapt to his aid, building a ramp for the 15-year-old out of scrap wood and spare materials.

Mr James said: “Muttley has always been a very active dog. Getting him to stop jumping in and out of the car used to be the problem, but his age is starting to catch up with him.

"This has made life so much easier for him. It was an immensely kind and thoughtful thing for the team to do, and we’re both very grateful to them.”

The furniture restoration team is responsible for many of the pieces sold in the St Teresa’s Hospice Home Shops in Darlington, Richmond and Leyburn.