A LONG-TERM lodger at a dog rescue centre has finally found a new home in Braintree after 400 nights.

Six-year-old Summer became the 500th dog to be adopted from the Wickford based Dogs Trust Basildon centre this year when the Labrador cross was snapped up by Braintree resident Jade Barber and her partner.

Miss Barber said: “After a number of meets with Summer at the rehoming centre, we’re so happy to have her home with us just before the summer is out.

"She has already made herself right at home – as soon as she arrived home she ran straight upstairs and into our bed. We’re really lucky to have her.”

The high number is partially down to the continued support from players of People's Postcode Lottery, who have helped fund extra adoption advisors for the charity.

Since 2014, more than £4.3million has been raised for Dogs Trust residents across the country by lottery players.

Lisa Cooper, rehoming centre manager at Dogs Trust Basildon, said: “The team are delighted to have found new homes for so many dogs already this year, including Summer who was with us for 400 days.

"Dogs come in all shapes, sizes, breeds and characters – it is up to us to find the right families for each one of them.

"A dog is for life, not just for Christmas and our staff work tirelessly to ensure canine residents find their ‘pawfect’ match."

There are still plenty of dogs in need of forever homes like Bruno the five-year-old German Shepherd Akita Cross who has been at the centre since January.

Call 0300 303 0292 or visit www.dogstrust.org.uk.