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A couple claim they have been forced to live in their CAR because landlords won't allow them to keep dogs in their homes.

Jennifer Tysoe, 70, and husband Nigel, 54, have been living rough since January along with two dogs they adopted from their neighbours after they passed away.

They spent six months sofa-surfing while looking for a new house but no accommodation could be found which would allow their dogs, the Daily Record reports .

The pair say they have been left with little alternative than to live in their Peugeot 208 where they have been sleeping since July.

They have refused to give up cocker spaniel Becky and Staffordshire bull terrier Titan after making a lifelong promise to their friends to look after them.

(Image: Northampton Chronicle&Echo/ SWNS)

The couple, formerly of Lovat Drive, Northampton, have lived and worked in the town all their lives and had planned to spend a peaceful retirement in their home.

But their marital home was repossessed after Nigel was unable to continue working following a fall earlier this year.

Several landlords turned them down for private rented accommodation because of their adopted pets .

They have since asked Northampton Borough Council for a social home where they can live with the dogs and where Nigel can rest his legs, which need dressing by doctors every day.

(Image: Northampton Chronicle&Echo/ SWNS)

The pair, who fell in love while working at a bakery together, said their lives would change overnight if they were given a house.

The pair are currently living off their state pension and savings and have £670 to spend a month to cover fuel and meal costs.

Northampton Borough Council has offered the couple and the dogs separate temporary accommodation but they declined as they "want to live together as a family."

Jennifer said: "You don't just give them away do you?

(Image: Northampton Chronicle&Echo/ SWNS)

"We have had them for a few years now and they are family.

"They are everything. People like kids and I like animals.

"Getting a house would mean everything. It would be like getting a pot of gold.

"The dogs would be more comfortable.

"People come into the country and they are on the list. Nobody wants to listen, I feel rejected.

"We don't want to be separated from the dogs and we have gone through enough.

(Image: Northampton Chronicle&Echo/ SWNS)

"It's very hard. I have to take Nigel to the doctors every day and get petrol.

"Once the car's out of action, that will be it."

Provided they hand in the correct documents the local authority said they might be eligible for social housing.

Nigel added: ""I believe I provided bank statements about July, August time when we were made homeless."