Abandoned and abused with no one to care for them, these dogs have had difficult lives.

But thanks to the generosity of the public and the work of charity Action for Greyhounds, each of the dogs featured in a new calendar has found a happier home with someone to love them.

The calendar, which includes 12 dogs who have been rescued and rehomed by the Norwich-based charity, is now on sale and all money raised will be put towards raising awareness of the plight of rescued greyhounds – and helping those already being cared for.

The youngest dog in the calendar, Alfie, was nearly put down when he was six weeks old after his owner accidentally broke his leg, then realised it would be cheaper to have the healthy puppy put to sleep than to pay for a costly operation.

Last year's calendar, the charity's first, raised about �1,500 and sold out completely with the help of publicity from the Evening News.

One generous reader even provided a loving home for Molly, a four-year-old greyhound who was cared for by the charity for four months after she was abandoned.

Action for Greyhounds co-founder Annie Boddey said the charity was hoping to repeat the success this year, adding: 'We had a fantastic response – we had to print another 100 calendars, and people were very generous.

'This year the situation is worse, with lots of local rescue shelters full, and we have to raise funds non-stop to pay to keep dogs in kennels until we find a foster home or a permanent place.'

Calendars cost �7.95 each and packs of eight Christmas cards, designed by Sprowston schoolchildren,are also available at �3, plus �1 postage per item, or 50p per item for orders of three or more.

They can be purchased online in the merchandise section of the Action for Greyhounds website at www.actionforgreyhounds.co.uk, or by sending a cheque to Action for Greyhounds UK, PO Box 3089, Norwich, NR3 3YP.

There will also be a street collection on October 27 on Gentleman's Walk in Norwich.

Are you raising money for charity? Contact reporter Mary Hamilton on 01603 772418 or email mary.hamilton@archant.co.uk.