BATTERED lurcher Heather is close to being rehomed after an article in the Shuttle/Times and News highlighting her plight prompted a big response.

The 14-month old was taken in by Far Forest-based Forest Dog Rescue after being "kicked to pieces" and left for dead on Hartlebury Common last month.

Sandra Whitmore, who runs the centre, is hopeful a man who has been visiting Heather will take her in by the weekend after last week's story provoked a flood of calls to the centre.

Four other dogs have been found new homes, cash donations have been made and at least one new volunteer recruited by the centre.