CHRISTMAS has come early for 10 abandoned pups, found in a cardboard box on a mountain near Ebbw Vale.

The five-week-old puppies were found by a dog walker and are now safe in the care of a Four Paws Animal Rescue foster home.

Three of the puppies were very ill when found but have made a miraculous recovery. All have been given festive names in celebration of their Christmas rescue.

Chair Kirsty Thomas said, ‘It is unbelievable that someone would think to dump these very young puppies in a box on a cold mountainside.

"If they hadn’t been found then they would certainly have died. Luckily they are now progressing very well, developing their own little personalities and keeping their foster family’s resident dog occupied!"

Four Paws is a small, independent charity that rescues and rehomes animals through a network of foster carers. The charity is keen to hear from potential new foster homes, so that it can increase the number of dogs that it offers safety to each year. For more information or to make a donation go to www.fourpawsanimalrescue.org.uk