Five adorable husky puppies are waiting in Whitstable for new homes after their abandoned mother was discovered days before giving birth.

Heavily pregnant Sochi - named after the Winter Olympics host city - was picked up in Ireland by a stray kennels, who confirmed she was about to deliver after having a scan.

The three-year-old was taken to the Dogs Trust rehoming centre in Chestfield where her litter was born.

The adorable husky cross pups have been named after GB medal hopefuls for the Winter Olympics including John Jackson (Bobsleigh), David Murdoch (Curling), Jenny Jones (Snowboarding), Chemmy Alcott (Alpine Skiing) and Eve Muirhead (Curling).

Jennifer Blaber, from Dogs Trust, said: "In the past five years there has been a shock increase in the number of Huskies being abandoned.

"Sadly, some owners take on these beautiful dogs without considering all responsibilities of owning such a large, powerful breed - many then end up in rescue centres such as Dogs Trust."