A RESCUED dog who could not walk or open her mouth properly because of matted fur is set to appear on TV over Christmas.

Molly, a 12-year-old shih-tzu, was rescued by the RSPCA and needed to have two kilograms of fur shaved off to help save her life.

She has since be rehomed.

Her tale will be told on Channel 5's The Dog Rescuers show on Boxing Day (8pm).

Molly was rescued by RSPCA inspector Anthony Joynes from an address in Wallasey after the animal welfare charity received a report concerning her welfare.

Inspector Joynes described her condition as the worst matting case he had seen in nine years in the job.

At first he could not tell which was the front and back end of Molly.

The owners signed her over to the RSPCA's care and Anthony immediately took Molly to Upton Veterinary Surgery in Birkenhead for emergency treatment.

Staff could see she was unable to walk properly as her fur had grown round her front paw pad, making it grow the wrong way.

The vet team got to work and got through three sets of clipper blades to cut off Molly's matted coat.

After five hours of clipping and shaving, Molly was found to have a deformed front paw but an x-ray revealed her back legs were in good condition.

Insp Joynes said: "We were really worried that under all the matted fur we may find more serious concerns.

"I am just so pleased she has recovered and now she has been rehomed. She looks amazing."

Molly's proud new owner Shelby Ford said it was love at first sight when she visited Wirral and Chester branch of the RSPCA in Wallasey with a view to adopting a dog.

The 47-year-old said: "I had two lovely Cavalier King Charles Spaniels but sadly they died months apart and I was devastated.

"It took a while before I wanted another dog but I just felt the house was so quiet without one.

"So I was walking past the RSPCA branch and just called in to talk about getting a dog and Molly was there in reception on her bed. She looked so sweet.

"Then she came over and licked me on the nose - I knew straight away she was coming home with me - we just connected."

The pair have since become inseparable are often seen going for walks in the area, but because of Molly's leg problems she gets tired very easily so Shelby has brought her a dog pram.

Shelby, who lives in Moreton, said: "The dog pram really helps her when she is struggling and it means we can go out and about together.

"She is such an adorable dog and loves everyone she meets - especially young children, including both my grandchildren.

"I am delighted I found her and the RSPCA staff at the branch who helped me were wonderful - me and Molly still call in to see them and she still gets lots of fuss."

Molly's previous owners are due to appear in court next month facing animal welfare charges.

There is now a book about The Dog Rescuers, featuring memorable and heartwarming stories about RSPCA dogs who have featured in the TV series. Published by Bantam Press, it can be ordered on Amazon.

Mollie is one of thousands of desperate and needy animals the RSPCA helps each year and the charity is appealing for the public's support to help them continue to care for thousands more over the Christmas period.

Last year, more than 8,000 animals spent Christmas Day in the charity's care.

To donate to the RSPCA's Delivering Kindness at Christmas campaign visit: www.rspca.org.uk/giftofkindness.