A FOUR-legged footballing sensation YouTube star was among those officially re-opening a rehoming centre.

Football-loving pup Ronaldog was one of the VIPs at the reopening of Dogs Trust Evesham yesterday (Wednesday) along with Mid-Worcestershire MP Nigel Huddleston and the Mayor and Mayoress of Evesham.

The rehoming centre, which originally opened fifty years ago in 1966, has undergone a massive renovation over the last 17 months.

Dogs at the new, state-of-the-art facility can now enjoy spacious kennels with underfloor heating, dedicated play areas and all-weather exercise paddocks set within ten acres of green space on the site in Wickhamford.

Also attending the official re-opening were Dogs Trust CEO, Adrian Burder, Dogs Trust chairman, Graeme Robertson, the staff and volunteers of Dogs Trust Evesham and school children from Willersey Primary School in Worcestershire.

The grand opening was the first of two stages in the major renovation at the rehoming centre.

Due for completion early next year the second phase which will include a full surgical facility, so dogs can be treated on site, dedicated Sponsor A Dog kennels, a state-of-the-art puppy block and a separate intake block for the new canine arrivals at the centre.

Chris Slight, Dogs Trust Evesham rehoming centre manager, said: "All of us at Dogs Trust Evesham, staff and canines alike, are delighted to be officially re-opening our new rehoming centre.

"We started the process back in May last year and it’s fantastic to see it all come together.

"Upon completion on phase two, our new centre has the capacity to care for around 100 dogs, and provides state-of-the-art kennelling for the dogs whilst they await their new homes.

"Because Dogs Trust never puts a healthy dog down, some of the dogs in our care can be with us for a while, so it’s crucial for us that whilst in our care they are safe, comfortable and stimulated. This new centre ensures this for every single dog, no matter their shape or size."

On completion of the second phase, the new Dogs Trust Evesham’s key features will include:

• 80 kennels with underfloor heating with the capacity to care for up to 100 dogs at one time

• 23 outdoor exercise paddocks

• Specialist facilities for dogs who need more dedicated training and behaviour care and attention

• A much improved training hall

• All weather facilities

Dogs Trust CEO, Adrian Burder thanked staff and local supporters for their continued support and generosity, including charitable trust, Support Adoption for Pets who offer grants to animal welfare organisations.