THREE years ago Border Collie Scrumpy was little more than skin and bone after being severely neglected by his previous owner and left chained up in a back garden.

THREE years ago Border Collie Scrumpy was little more than skin and bone after being severely neglected by his previous owner and left chained up in a back garden.

His teeth were worn down where he constantly tried to bite his way to freedom and he had trouble barking and standing because he was so weak.

But now, thanks to the help of the animal rescue centre at Martlesham and new owners Teresa and Melvin Spalding, the six-year-old has found a fresh lease of life and is hoping to represent East Anglia at the national finals of the RSPCA dog of the year competition.

Mrs Spalding, of Wareham Avenue, Ipswich, said: “I wanted a rescue dog because I wanted to give a loving home to a dog that needed it.

“When we visited Martlesham, Scrumpy just took to us straight away and I went for a few walks with him and knew he was the one.

“We had to be careful at first because he was in a dreadful state. His last owner left him on a chain in a back garden for three years, all his teeth were worn down, he had hardly any coat, he couldn't stand or bark and he had been starved and beaten.

“But now he is a changed dog. He has a gorgeous glossy coat, he loves having his belly rubbed and he has to kiss you when you come home otherwise he won't let you in.

“He is still wary of people but he is not as bad as he was and once he gets to know someone he is fine. He is just so lovable and silly.”

To vote for Scrumpy to reach the national finals, which are being held in October, visit www.rspca.org.uk by the end of this month.