Watch: From ditches to riches - New lease of life for abandoned dog

Heidi is on the mend after being found in a ditch near Ellesmere by Duncan on his round in Shropshire.

She was very hungry and had problems with her eyes when she was found but after two months of love and care Heidi is getting back to fighting fit.

Duncan said when his shift started on a cold January morning, the last thing he imagined was saving a dog's life.

The refuse collector, who works for Veolia's Wem depot, said he noticed a slight movement in a ditch out of the corner of his eye and on closer inspection he was amazed to find that it was a puppy.

He said: "I could tell it had been there for some time due to the flattened ground around it.

"She took a lot of coaxing as she was frightening. But I managed to pick her up, wrap her in a blanket and give her some dog biscuits in the bin lorry.

"I decided to call her Heidi as she was so frightened she just hid in the corner."

Heidi was taken to Hilbrae Stray Dog Kennels in Telford where she was promptly transferred to the Pearl Vets in Shrewsbury for an operation in both eyes.

She was diagnosed with having 'cherry eye' in one and entropion in the other and is going to need a further operation in her left eye, at a cost of about £260, which staff at Veolia have helped pay for.

Duncan said: "She's great. I couldn't do without her."

Julie Mills, canine care and supervisor at Hilbrae stray dog kennels, said: "We are all so pleased that Heidi has found happiness with the Price family.

"She was found in such a poorly state so it is heart-warming to know there are people out there willing to help animals in need.

"Mr Price and his family visited Heidi throughout her recovery; she obviously remembered him and was grateful to be rescued as she made a bee-line for him for cuddles each time he visited.

"Hilbrae stray dog kennels provide the service for all stray dogs in Telford and Shropshire.

"Either ourselves or the dog wardens bring in stray and lost dogs and we look after them until their owners are found and they are reunited.

"If after seven days the owners haven't collected them they are then available for rehoming.

"All dogs are health checked, microchipped and vaccinated before rehoming.

"Good luck in your new home Heidi and thank you Mr Price for rescuing her."