World number one tennis star Novak Djokovic has helped a homeless hound find its perfect match with a new family in Herne Bay.

The former Wimbledon champion, who will take to Centre Court today for the men's semi-final, took a short break from the courts last week to visit rescue charity, the Dog's Trust, with his girlfriend Jelena Ristic.

He struck up a friendship with one-year-old Goldendoodle Bella and appealed to his millions of Facebook and Twitter followers to find her a loving home.

The charity was subsequently inundated with offers from dog-lovers hoping to rehome her, including the tennis-mad Causer family, who live in Harrington Close, Herne Bay.

Sharon Causer, 40, and her children Ryan, 21, Adam, 16, and 12-year-old Daniel arranged to meet Bella at the rehoming centre in Chestfield - and instantly fell in love.

Sharon, an assistant at Asquith Nursery in Canterbury, said: "We are lifelong tennis fans so we were really excited to hear of Bella's famous friend.

"As soon as we met her, we knew she was the dog for us. She is such a sweet-natured, fun girl and we have been told she is pretty keen on chasing a tennis ball.

"She has already settled in so well. It's like she's always been here. We're really looking forward to watching the match together this afternoon."

Dogs Trust Canterbury's rehoming centre assistant manager, Harriet Cardwell, said: "We were really touched and very grateful to Novak and Jelena for all their help in finding Bella her forever home, especially during such a busy time for them.

"Not only did the appeal help find her a home, but it has also encouraged plenty of people to visit their local Dogs Trust rehoming centre in search of their perfect pooch."

For more information about offering a dog a home, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk or call 020 7837 0006.