Rough sleepers with dogs allowed into Birmingham hostels

A number of hostels in Birmingham have now agreed to take in homeless people with their dogs.

The Zambesi project, run by Midlands Heart, in Sparkbrook, helps get rough sleepers off the streets and is extending that to their pets.

For many it's proved to be a lifeline, with some only coming off the streets when told they could bring their canine companion.

Among them is 42-year-old Chris, who has been homeless with his two dogs since he came out of a six-year relationship.

He said: "They're my life really, they keep me going."