THE patter of tiny feet turned into a stampede when Bali the chocolate Labrador started to give birth.
The dog, owned by Margaret Hallmark, of Whittington, has filled the house with 10 puppies - much to the delight of neighbourhood children.
Art teacher Mrs Hallmark was expecting Bali to give birth to no more than six pups after producing two last year, and was amazed when she saw the litter.
She was teaching at the time, and was expecting the puppies to arrive in the evening. But she received a call at work from her neighbour, Hazel Bullock, who told her that they were on the way.
The puppies, six bitches and four dogs, are now five weeks old, fighting fit, and looking for new homes.
"They're all fit little things," said Mrs Hallmark. "They've been playing a lot with the neighbours' children.
"They've been great fun. On Sunday, some of the children were round here painting pictures of the puppies and the Queen."
Anyone interested in buying one of the Kennel Club-registered puppies should call Mrs Hallmark on 01905 355165.
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