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Andy Kennedy with his handful of puppies.

Looking Dandie...Fresh hope for one of Britains rarest dogs.

One of Britain's rarest breeds of dog that is more endangered than the giant panda has received a welcome boost for Christmas with this litter of five puppies.

The Dandie Dimmont terrier has become a forgotten breed over the last 40 years, with owners preferring designer dogs like cockerpoos and labradoodles.

The species - the world's oldest breed of terrier - has featured on the Kennel Club's top 10 vulnerable breeds list every year since its inception 15 years ago.

In 2015, numbers of new-born puppies in the UK sunk to an all-time low of just 79.

Their numbers have gradually increased in the two years since then and now the arrival of a healthy litter of quintuplets has added to their recovery.

Owner and breeder Andy Kennedy is caring for the five males at his home in Waterlooville, Hants.