12 puppies born on 12/12/12

Twelve puppies were born to a Golden Labrador in Rochdale on 12/12/12.

Owner Annette Thompson didn't even know Lucy her Labrador was pregnant. Just as surprising is the 12 puppies are all jet black. Annette suspects her brother's dog, a German Shepherd, may have something to do with that.

Talking to Granada News, Annette said: "I was in bed and Lucy came over to me. I heard squeaking and I saw a pup and then puppies just kept coming."

"It was a really unexpected early Christmas present but what a joy, it's made my Christmas very happy."

The puppies will be staying with mum until eight weeks old when Annette hopes to find good homes for them all. In the meantime, Annette has roped in neighbour Marie Richards and her son Liam to help her look after the pups.