A GREYHOUND who was disqualified from a race for playing has found a loving new family.

Flash was adopted by Paul Clark, owner of oven valeting business Ovenu, in Penketh, which operates all across Warrington.

Paul and his wife Andrea decided to provide the hyper hound with a caring home after learning of his unlucky past.

The three-year-old dog was born in Ireland and brought over to England to race but, despite showing early promise, won just one of his seven races.

During his final race in Nottingham, Flash was disqualified since he preferred playing to running.

He was placed with the Lincolnshire Greyhound Trust where he contributed to saving the lives of fellow canines by becoming a doggy blood donor.

Paul and Andrea initially offered to take care of all his vet and food bills for the remainder of his life, but quickly decided to welcome him into their family.

Paul said: "Flash had such a compelling story that once we got to know him, we fell in love with him and just had to make him part of our family.

"He is a sweet-natured dog and the fact that he was disqualified from a race because he preferred to play just goes to prove he has great character.

"Some people have asked if we named him after the well-known cleaning product, given I run an oven valeting business.

"As I only use Ovenu’s eco-friendly and non-caustic range of highly effective cleaning products, the truth is that I called him Flash simply because, despite his spirited nature, he remains very fast indeed!

"It’s a privilege to provide Flash with a caring home and secure future.

"They are lovely creatures and make excellent pets."