LOVEABLE dog Bob may be the picture of happiness now - but a year ago he was found matted and malnourished walking the streets of Bromley Cross.

The 16-year-old grey poodle cross had been neglected by his owners. The RSPCA were contacted by neighbours and found the emaciated 16-year-old canine in the street, with a broken jaw and wounds on his gums.

The animal welfare charity had Bob cleaned up and seized by police, before bringing a prosecution against the couple looking after him.

They pleaded guilty at court to causing suffering to the animal and were fined £500, ordered to pay £1,750 in costs and banned for five years from keeping any animals.

Twelve months later and Bob has been re-homed with the vetinerary nurse, Sam Crompton, who treated him.

It was his new owner who gave him his name, after cartoon character Sideshow Bob, from The Simpsons.

Miss Crompton was on a university placement when Bob was brought in to the RSPCA last June.

The 21-year-old, who lives in Atherton, and has now graduated from the University of Central Lancashire, said: "When he came in, I just fell in love with him even though he looked a bit worse for wear.

"Once we cleaned him up, you could see how happy he could be. We have another dog, George, and Bob is as playful as he can be at his age.

"He is very contented."