Dogs are not just for Christmas - but when this little pooch arrived in Helston it was the best present veterinary nurse Rachael Malone could have wished for.

Pumpkin the rescue dog has finally made it safely to Cornwall, after being flown more than 2,000 miles to the UK from Greece.

Last month the Helston Packet reported how Rosemullion Veterinary Practice nurse Rachael had set up a fundraising campaign to bring Pumpkin, a stray spaniel crossbreed with a malformed jaw, who she had formed an attachment with while on holiday in Zante, over to Helston.

After putting £100 of her own money down to secure a place for Pumpkin on a flight here, Rachael successfully raised the remainder of the £485 cost and shortly before Christmas the little dog was safely in her arms.

Rachael said: "She is a remarkably resilient little soul that arrived wagging despite her four-day journey. She is so well that she has accompanied me to work and is loving being famous so far.

Rachael found Pumpkin on the streets with a terrible underbite that is usually genetic, and it was clear the dog had already had puppies once, which had probably died due to being unable to suckle. Rachael was concerned that continuing this cycle would shorten Pumpkin's life also.

Money was raised to help fly Pumpkin over through a "Pumpkin Parade" dog walk at Penrose and Rachael now hopes to organise another in the New Year, as a celebration and to thank everyone for their support.

After spending the festive period with Rachael, Pumpkin will now be looking for a "forever home" with a loving family, as Rachael already has a number of rescue dogs and a full time job.