Charlie the boxer had been abandoned by his owners

The boxer - called Charlie by rescuers - was believed to have been locked up and abandoned before he was handed in at Rhyl police station in June.

Dafydd and Gaynor Williams, from Rhuddlan, were chosen from dozens of people who asked to adopt the dog.

Mr and Mrs Williams said Charlie was now a "different dog."

Charlie was taken to the North Clwyd Animal Rescue Centre in June after being found emaciated, covered in mange and with claws so long they had grown into his skin.

RSPCA inspector Fred Armstrong said the 12-month-old animal was in a "scared and pitiful state" when he first saw him.

"I was really quite shocked to see him. He was in an appalling state," said Mr Armstrong.

But since being re-homed, Charlie has made a full recovery.

Gaynor Williams said: "He's put on weight, his skin is becoming more soft and shiny and he's really lively.

"He's a real character. Everybody seems to know about him and they all want to know how he's getting on."

Mrs Williams said she and her husband were "absolutely mortified" when they first saw pictures of Charlie.

'Absolute darling'

She added: "I was crying my eyes out. But we were determined to help him and we began visiting him every week and taking treats for him.

"Gradually we got to know him and we were absolutely delighted when we were told we could take him home.

"My husband slept on the settee with him on the first night, but since then he's slept in our bedroom and he's not a bit of trouble. He's an absolute darling."

Mr and Mrs Williams' take Charlie back to the rescue centre at Trelogan, near Prestatyn, every weekend so he can be weighed.

Charlie has also won first prize in the "rescued " class at the centre's dog show and received a rosette.

Ann Owen, who runs the centre, said: "It's lovely to see him looking so well after all he's been through.

"The Williams have done such a lot to help with his recovery and they really deserve to have him."