A DOG who was kept locked in a foul-smelling cellar by his last owner will instead enjoy the life of a pampered pooch this Christmas.

Gentle giant Revel was so nervous even the normal household sound of a washing machine scared him when he arrived at his new home.

The Australian Kelpie was one of 37 dogs rescued from a dilapidated farm belonging to Margaret Harthill, in Kings Norton.

The 64-year-old was banned from keeping dogs for five years at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court, in September, after she admitted seven charges of animal cruelty.

Dogs were also kept in makeshift wooden lean-tos, derelict cars and an outside toilet, at Harthill’s home, at Goodrest Farm.

The ground was compacted with excrement and five puppies were found in a scullery surrounded by filth and urine.

Scratchmarks were also discovered on the cellar door from when the dogs had tried to escape.

Revel moved to his new home in Cheltenham, in August.