THE only surviving puppy from a litter of six found dumped in a paper bag three weeks ago has been named Star. Penny Endicott, who works for the Maidstone branch of the RSPCA, is caring for the dog temporarily at her home in Sycamore Road, Strood.

She said: "We called her Star because she was on the television when she was two days old and that makes her a star in my book.

"Because of the way she's been fighting to come through this, a couple of people have suggested that she's a bit of a hero, but the prospect of calling her heroine in this day and age doesn't appeal."

With the help of her 23-year-old daughter, Amanda Crew, Ms Endicott has been bottle-feeding Star on an hourly basis. When she is feeling stronger, Star, who is believed to be a terrier, will be found a home with new owners.

She was one of six new-born puppies abandoned in a paper bag on January 21, in Church Road, Linton, near Maidstone . The other five dogs died and the RSPCA are investigating the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact the RSPCA on 01622 753172.