A GROUP of dog lovers are 'taking the lead' when it comes to helping rescue greyhounds.

Every afternoon they meet to exercise the dogs from Makants Greyhound Rescue which was set up by Siobhan Hoppley to help the former or failed racing dogs, are waiting to be rehomed .

The rescue, at a farm in Mort Lane, which has rehomed 23 dogs already, relies completely on volunteers and fundraising to keep it going and is always looking for new people to help out.

One of the dogs currently looking for a home is Earl. He is believed to be a whippet saluki cross and sticks closely to his foster mum Denise McGinty and her greyhound Misha during the walks.

Denise said: "We think Earl was used for lamping, which is night hunting really. They take the dogs out at night and shine a light on an small animal and set the dogs on them.

"He has got about 200 scars over his body and a lot around his mouth as well. He is timid around other dogs but he is lovely to walk and great with people and children.

"They are lovely natured dogs. Some of them have psychological scars, but after a while their personalities come out. The hardest part is getting them used to being in a house."

Volunteer Kenny Mills has been walking dogs at the rescue for a while but has recently taken blue greyhound Connie home to give her a break from the kennels and is now considering fostering her.

He said: "She is great. She has never been in a house before but she is getting used to it. She's not quite sure of the stairs and she gets very excited when we see other dogs but she is getting better."

The volunteers change everyday as people can come when is convenient to them and it provides a good way of getting to know the dogs for anyone interested in rehoming a greyhound.

Most of the dogs have been bred and trained for racing, but not all of them make it or suffer injuries, while many are retired between the ages of two and five, even though greyhounds can live to be 14.

Also waiting to be adopted is Ruby who is rarely still she is so full of life.

Volunteer Pat Warburton said: "I come quite often and I normally walk Ruby because she is my favourite. All the dogs are great, but often a certain dog will stand out to you."

The rescue's fundraising co-ordinator Angela Kilner holds regular fundraisers but they are always looking for donations of tombola prizes beds, blankets, food especially tinned and, of course, time to take the dogs for a walk.

They hold regular events at Pets in Home at Parsonage Retail Park with the next ones being on February 14 and March 1.

To find out more, visit makantsgreyhounds.co.uk.