THIS brave little chap is well on the road to recovery after being abandoned at the Great Dorset Steam Fair.

Barely six-weeks-old, the terrier puppy was found frightened, soaking wet and in poor health.

But after weeks of care by staff at Margaret Green Animal Rescue the puppy - named Porridge - started to gain his strength and confidence.

And Porridge's story has a happy ending, as now he's been adopted by one of the veterinary staff who nursed him back to heath.

New owner Susie Pryke, who works as a veterinary nurse at Damory Veterinary Centre, Blandford, said: “I already have a rescue terrier called Maisie from Margaret Green Animal Rescue, who was brought in as a cruelty case.

“Porridge is such a playful and sweet boy and has grown so much in the short space of time he has been with us.

“He gets on really well with Maisie and has taught her how to play, which is delightful to see.”

Helen Chittock, manager of Margaret Green's Lincoln Farm Rescue and Re-homing Centre for Dogs, near Bere Regis, confirmed Porridge was found abandoned last month.

She explained: “He was soaking wet and cold, very scared and submissive and had a severe skin infection.

“The member of the public who found him named him 'Porridge' as that was the first meal he ate.

“We immediately started treatment with Damory Veterinary Centre and hoped that Porridge would start to feel better.”

Margaret Green Animal Rescue is the oldest and largest animal rescue charity founded in Dorset. They care for more than 1,200 animals each year, many of which have been abused, neglected or unwanted.

Their Lincoln Farm Centre currently has 22 dogs waiting to find homes.

Visit margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk or call 01929 471 340 for information.