A blind dog that was dumped when he was just five months old has been voted the nation's RSPCA Dog of the Year.

Bullmastiff Oliver was thrown out by an unscrupulous breeder as a puppy because he had an eye infection.

He was found by a dog warden before Christmas 2005, but despite urgent veterinary treatment lost his sight, with one eye having to be removed.

But Oliver, now two, has found a new life with owner Julie Harkness, from Houghton-le-Spring, near Sunderland.

She read his distressing story in the local paper and immediately offered to give Oliver a chance of happiness and a home.

Oliver has overcome his disability and even has a special artificial implant in his one remaining eye to give him a normal appearance, even though he cannot actually see through it.

'Happy dog'

Ms Harkness, 38, said: "I can't believe that Oliver has won the competition. He's a true inspiration and clearly the rest of the country think he is too. We're so proud of him.

"Oliver has been through so much but he's made such good progress that we forget he's blind. No matter how down we might feel Oliver always lifts our spirits."

RSPCA chief vet Mark Evans, added: "Oliver's had such a tough start to life, but despite everything he's now such a happy dog."

Readers of a national newspaper voted for Oliver, who was up against five other rescued dogs from around the country. Oliver will receive a host of prizes, including a year's supply of dog food.

Source: BBC News