FOUR legs good was the verdict at Newport RSPCA centre's open day this weekend.

Animal lovers and visitors came to the event at the charity's centre in Ringland on Saturday.

Around 350 people came to the event and enjoyed seeing a host of happy rescue dogs in the show ring, as well as the chance to look around the centre's facilities.

There were also a number of stalls, including those from local animal charities like Cats Protection, a bouncy castle and a pen of goats.

Pet owners could also get their animals microchipped for just £5.

Heartwarming tales of dogs rescued from the Ringland RSPCA centre included six-month old Ruby the terrier-collie cross.

Her owner Richard James, 44, from Chepstow was considering buying a pedigree dog, before he visited the centre and found her.

Ruby had been brought in just an hour before his visit, after her owner threatened to abandon her if the RSPCA did not take her away.

But the South Wales Rescue Dog of the Year was Phoenix, a four and a half year old Great Dane.

His owner, Joan Wakeling, from Raglan adopted Phoenix after she was rescued from breeding kennels in a police-assisted operation in Lincolnshire.

Mrs Wakeling said: "At first she was absolutely terrified of traffic, but she's got used to it now."

Phoenix now qualifies for Wales Rescue Dog of the Year who will be chosen by online voting in September via www.rspca.org.uk/doty Runners up for the South Wales award were Zebo, owned by Geraldine Ashworth, from Newport, and two greyhounds, Laura and Eddie, owned by Matthew Cooper, from Ringland.