THE Greyhound Trust is appealing for help from people in the Black Country and north Worcestershire following the shock announcement a third greyhound racing track is to close this year.

Birmingham’s Hall Green Stadium, which was originally expected to close its doors in August 2018, is now set to shut at the end of this month after the closure of Wimbledon and Gretna Green tracks earlier this year.

Greyhound Trust chief executive Lisa Morris-Tomkins said: “Our branches are working across the country day in day out to help as many greyhounds as we can find a loving and responsible home of their own.

"From fundraising and awareness activities, hands on caring for greyhounds and assisting them in making the transition from athlete to couch potato, there is always a huge amount to do.

"There are lots of ways anyone wishing to help greyhounds can support our work.”

The Greyhound Trust, which runs five branches across the West Midlands, helps thousands of greyhounds retiring from racing each year and found more than 3,800 homes in 2016.

As tracks close, however, pressure on the charity’s resources intensifies as more greyhounds need urgent help and support.

The Greyhound Trust, which has rehoming kennels at Wassell Grove, Hagley, will be working closely with the owners and trainers to support the transition of any greyhounds retiring but is in desperate need of help to ensure bright futures for the retired racing greyhounds of Hall Green stadium.

To find out more about the charity go to www.greyhoundtrust.org.uk

People can help by rehoming a greyhound, helping out at one of the trust’s branches, making a donation or becoming a friend of the Greyhound Trust.