Shane Simpson with his new pet, Blue
(the 100th greyhound homed by Yarmouth Retired Greyhound Trust)

The Yarmouth branch of charity the Retired Greyhound Trust - which covers the East Anglia region - has reached a major milestone by homing its 100th greyhound. Seven-year-old Blue, was recently homed to the Simpson family in Kirby Cross, Suffolk, who can't imagine life without him.

The Retired Greyhound Trust is a national charity dedicated to finding homes for greyhounds at the end of their racing careers and has branches across the UK. Stephen Franklin - general manager at Yarmouth stadium - set up the local branch in 1999. A busy few years of finding new homes has resulted in this major milestone and led to the branch opening dedicated kennels on the outskirts of Norwich. The kennels - located on the Spixworth Road - offer new opportunities for prospective pet owners to meet the greyhounds the charity has to offer.

Contrary to popular misconceptions, greyhounds make wonderful pets being ideal for both individuals and families of all ages. As racing careers are short - with the majority of greyhounds retiring at the age of three or four - greyhounds can live for up to 10 years in retirement. Their needs are the same as other varieties of dogs, they are gentle and adaptable, and in terms of exercise will be happy with two short walks each day.

Stephen Franklin commented: "I, and others in the Trust, are passionate about telling people how suitable greyhounds are as pets. We always try to find an animal which will suit the person or family who has offered the home. Having now homed our 100th greyhound and expanded to new kennels, we hope to encourage many more people to recognise the trusting and friendly nature of greyhounds and consider providing a home for them."

Nationwide, the Retired Greyhound Trust has found homes for nearly 25,000 dogs - formerly involved in greyhound racing - since its establishment in 1975.

Those wishing to find out more about the Yarmouth Retired Greyhound Trust or providing a home for a greyhound should call Tony Nixon on 0845 458 3797 or the Retired Greyhound Trust on 0870 444 0673.