PUPPIES are barking with joy once again after a shelter for homeless hounds reopened.

Dogs Trust in Newbury originally opened 44 years ago and has been transformed with a much-needed facelift over the last 18 months.

Deputy Mayor of Newbury, Councillor Margo Payne, was among the distinguished guests invited to take part in the ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday.

Nicki Barrow, Dogs Trust Newbury’s centre manager, said: “All of us at Dogs Trust Newbury, staff and canines alike, are delighted to be officially re-opening our newly upgraded rehoming centre.

"We started the process back in July 2016 and it is fantastic to see it all come together.

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"We have the capacity to care for 80 dogs, and during their stay, they will be able to make the most of state-of-the-art kennels and training and behaviour facilities whilst they await their new homes.

“Because Dogs Trust never puts a healthy dog to sleep, some of the dogs in our care can be with us for a while, so it’s crucial for us that they are safe, comfortable and stimulated throughout their time.

"This new centre ensures this for every single dog, no matter their shape or size.”

The state-of-the-art facility boasts spacious kennels with underfloor heating, a new vet room, specialist training and behaviour facility.

There are also dedicated play areas and all-weather exercise paddocks set within the Berkshire countryside in Hampstead Marshall.

Dogs Trust CEO Adrian Burder also attended the ceremony alongside children from Welford and Wickham Primary School in Newbury.