Barney the Staffordshire Terrier Cross is facing Christmas behind bars if a new home cannot be found for him.

The 10-year-old needs a loving family if he is to ever leave the Hull RSPCA centre where he has been for more than a year.

Barnie was taken in by the RSPCA after his owner was jailed.

Officers have been trying to find him a home ever since.

The lack of a family of his own is taking its toll on Barney, who has become depressed.

Mike Cuthbert, animal care assistant at the RSPCA, said: "He's been in such a long time now that he's becoming depressed.

"After about six months we do see a dip in the animal's temperament and that's no different with Barney.

"He is a lovely dog with a superb temperament but he desperately needs to be out of here.

"All he does is lay in bed all day. That is a sign of how depressed he is.

"The other dogs will get up and bark when someone comes into the kennels but Barney just stays where he is.

"As far as he's concerned there's nothing worth getting up for and nothing worth getting excited about."