FOUR-legged and two-legged friends have joined together to celebrate Dog Trust Merseyside's 18th birthday.

From Beagles to Boxers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers to Salukis, they have all been cared for at the Merseyside branch since its grand opening in 1999.

So far, the centre has rehomed 10,800 dogs with their forever families.

Dogs Trust Merseyside manager Georgina Lowery said: "I started work at the centre on the day it opened and from the very first moment we threw open our doors to the public, we have been overwhelmed by the support we have had from dog lovers.

"We believe a dog is for life and we never get tired of seeing happy dogs leave us each week with their excited new families, it's always brilliant."

The rehoming centre cares for around 90 dogs at any one time and special guest at the birthday celebrations was eight-year-old Lurcher Turnip who found as a stray three years ago, is the centre's longest-term resident.

Georgina added: "Turnip got first bite of the special doggie birthday cake and loved all the attention.

"He's a gorgeous boy and we're sure his special someone will visit soon and realise he's the dog for them.

"Every dog is unique and every single one of them deserves a second chance, which luckily we are able to give them as dog-lovers adopt from us every week.

"We are so proud of rehoming so many dogs and being able to care so well for them whilst they are with us and that's only possible thanks to the generosity of supporters, so we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has chosen to adopt from us over the past 18 years."

For more information on dogs looking for their forever homes visit https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/our-centres/merseyside/