A PARTIALLY blind rescue dog has become the star of a school of production of Annie.

The lurcher, known as Billy, took centre stage as Annie's dog Sandy, to perform alongside his proud owner music teacher Karen Ballantine and pupils at Hipperholme Grammar School.

He was initially rescued by Tia Greyhound and Lurcher Rescue after he had been starved, tied up in a yard and beaten, causing him to go blind in one eye.

When he was found, Billy weighed just 10kg and was close to death.

Since being rehomed with Mrs Ballantine, he has flourished, now weighing in at a healthy 25kg.

Mrs Ballantine said: “Seeing Billy perform in the show really brought home how far he has come since his rescue.

“Casting him was a great way to educate our pupils about the importance of kindness and care, and I am so proud of all of them for continued affection towards him.”

This was the first time the senior and junior school pupils have worked together to put on a show at the school.