Television presenter Dermot O'Leary cut through a string of sausages to mark the opening of a dog rehoming centre.

Aided by an eager companion, Dermot let more than 100 people into the centre which opened yesterday after extensive renovations.

Big Brother presenter Dermot and canine pal JG lapped up the attention of several admiring females who could not make up their minds who to cuddle first at the Dogs Trust Shoreham Rehoming Centre.

The dogs eventually won the day and Dermot was left to catch up with the two cross-collies he sponsors.

Staff at the centre said Toby and Henry Ramsey were both very excited to see their sponsor and the star left with a picture of Toby.

Jacqui Darlow, of the trust, said the day had been a huge success and Dermot had thoroughly enjoyed himself.

She said: "It was a great day and everything went really well. We had about 150 people come to see the centre and everyone was impressed.

"Dermot was excellent. He was lovely and enthusiastic. He walked round the kennels about four times and was so happy to be here.

"He is quite a cheeky young man but it was so good to see how enthusiastic he was. All the girls were quite excited to see him but he only had eyes for the dogs."

Dermot's two pooches share a doggy bachelor pad with JG. Their suite incorporates a lounge, bedroom, playroom and garden.

Jacqui praised the new facilities at the centre which included glass-fronted kennels and a bone-shaped archway. She said: "There has been a lot of hard work done here and everyone was very impressed."

A graduated grooming and shower room allows staff to wash even the smallest of animals without straining their backs.

A new veterinary centre, paid for by dog lover Gwen Rees, means all minor treatment and neutering operations can be dealt with on site, saving dogs the long trip to the vet.