'You can teach an old dog new tricks' is just one of the messages an animal charity is hoping to spread across the town during National Pet Month.

Throughout April, Warrington Animal Welfare is hoping to encourage residents to 'Open their heart to a senior pet' and highlight some of the many reasons older animals can still make great pets.

Lorraine Mawdsley, from the cause, said: "This year's theme of National Pet Month shines the light on the positive impact pets have on older people and highlights the need for forever homes for older pets.

"Older dogs and cats often get overlooked in favour of puppies and kittens but they still need cuddles and playtime just as much as them.

"There are also plenty of benefits adopting an older pet including older dogs have manners are often already house trained having spent years living with a family.

"They're also less destructive and what you see is what you get.

"A senior pet holds no surprises as to how big he might get or whether his hips will be healthy which makes his future much more predictable than that of an eight-week old puppy or kitten."

Contrary to the popular saying, the charity also adds old dogs can be taught new tricks as they focus on the task at hand and are more attentive than puppies.

Nine-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier Bailey is one of the many pensioner pooches at Warrington Animal Welfare, now based off Slutchers Lane, in need of a new home.

While eight-year-old brothers Dave and Dennis the cats were dumped outside the charity's gates and eight-year-old Oliver was found eating out of bin bags.

Staff say despite his 'rough and tough exterior', he is a lazy boy who enjoys napping and a good brush.

Lorraine added: "Somehow, older pets seem to know you gave them a home when no one else would.

"Almost without exception, people who adopt older animals feel a special sense of pride and purpose in opening their heart to a hard-to-place pet."