A pet charity has welcomed the first homeless puppies into its new £3million rehoming centre in Suffolk.

The Blue Cross has moved out of its premises in Felixstowe into a state-of-the-art complex at Clock Fields, opposite the Suffolk Ski Centre at Bourne Hill, Wherstead, to expand its activities and provide improved care.

The first arrivals at the centre were 16-week-old Sandy, a golden retriever, handed in to the team at the Blue Cross as he was too much for his owners to take care of after being bought for them as a gift, and Blue, a 10-week-old Labrador cross Staffordshire bull terrier, who was too much for the other dog in the family home.

Both puppies are enjoying the charity’s new facilities and being cared for in the centre’s dedicated puppy unit, specifically designed to give young dogs the care they need.

Centre manager Andrew Gillon said: “We didn’t have a dedicated puppy facility at our old centre so it’s a vast improvement for us and for the pets we care for.

“The unit offers spacious, comfy kennels that are located next to our team room, separated by a large sliding door which means when our staff and volunteers are in there, they can open the room up and help socialise the puppies.

“It means they can get used to lots of different sounds, a bit like they would living in a home – and it helps prepare them for their new life.”

The new centre is eight times bigger than the previous premises and will allow staff to care for 800 cats and dogs each year. Facilities include onsite veterinary clinic, dedicated kitten area, and 20 acres of woodland for dog walking.

Mr Gillon said: “Blue and Sandy are lovely dogs and we won’t have any trouble finding them new homes. As cute as puppies are, they require a lot of time and effort and can be hard work, so we would urge people to do lots of research before getting one and make sure they can offer a young dog everything it needs.

“Taking on a rescue pet is hugely rewarding so if anyone is thinking about taking on new companion, do come and visit us.”