A loveable Staffordshire bull terrier rescued in Kent has been described as "Britain's unluckiest dog" after dicing with death and being left a family for more than a year.

Link, the nine-year-old Staffie, is being looked after by the RSPCA in Thanet after his owners wanted him put down for no reason.

He's been at the charity's rehoming centre in Woodchurch, near Birchington, for 466 days and carers are desperate for the "fantastic dog" to find a new family who will give him a chance.

Link is a firm favourite with staff at the RSPCA Isle of Thanet branch after arriving in 2016 when a vet intervened by taking him to the charity when his owners brought him in to be put down.

Although he was rehomed a couple of times things did not work out for Link and he's been in the charity's care ever since.

The brindle coloured canine is said to be very intelligent and loves learning new skills.

But staff are worried people brand Link with the "typical Staffie stigma" which they say is unfair and not true of the pooch's personality.

Amy Ockelford, from the RSPCA, said: "Link was extremely lucky to be saved when his previous owner decided to have him put to sleep for no good reason. We were happy to step in and give this lovely boy a chance but, unfortunately, it’s not been easy for him.

"He’s been rehomed a couple of times but these sadly haven’t worked out - through no fault of his own - and he’s since been in our care for 466 days.

"Unfortunately, he’s continually overlooked and we can’t understand why. It could be due to his breed, his colour or his age."

The charity says Link is scared easily by noises adding any potential new owners will need to stay patient with him to build up his confidence which the RSPCA says it can help with.

"Unfortunately, we think Link has been branded with the typical Staffie stigma - which is completely unfair,” Amy added.

"Many people don’t even want to hear about him and he gets overlooked time and time again. It’s so sad.

"He also finds it difficult being home alone so will need patient, understanding owners who can spend time teaching him that it’s not scary.

"But Link really is a fantastic dog. All of the staff and volunteers love him terribly and we know he’ll be a loyal friend and wonderful addition to the family.

"He has so much love to give and would bring his new owners so much joy. You just can’t help but smile when you’re with him - someone just needs to give him a chance."

Carers say he is good around children but owners with other pets or dogs would not be suitable for Link's new home.

The charity says it takes 37% longer to rehome brindle dogs and three times longer to rehome dogs over seven years old.

For more information about Link visit his online profile at www.rspcathanet.org.uk or call 01843 826180.