ES News email The latest headlines in your inbox twice a day Monday - Friday plus breaking news updates Enter your email address Continue Please enter an email address Email address is invalid Fill out this field Email address is invalid You already have an account. Please log in Register with your social account or click here to log in I would like to receive lunchtime headlines Monday - Friday plus breaking news alerts, by email Update newsletter preferences

A dog that was abandoned by its owner at a Blackpool church with a note saying "I love you and I'm so, so, so sorry" is set to be rehomed.

Cracker, a brindle and white Staffordshire bull terrier-cross, was taken in by the RSPCA after he was found tied to the altar of Sacred Heart Church on December 18.

The RSPCA has now said the dog will find a new home - if his owner does not come forward.

A handwritten note left with him said: "Life has taken a really bad turn for me and I couldn't imagine him being outside with me cold and hungry."

It continued: "Please believe me when I say I haven’t done this easily.

"My dog means the world to me and I don’t know what else to do."

The RSPCA have searched for the dogs owner, but since no one has come forward, they are now looking to rehome Cracker with a new family.

A spokeswoman for the RSPCA told the BBC: "Unfortunately no-one has come forward to claim him and we've not been able to trace his previous owner so we will soon begin looking for a new home for him.

"I suspect he won't have to wait long to find a wonderful new family and I hope his former owner has seen all of the coverage and can take comfort from the fact that he's being well-looked after."

This winter the charity expects to take in more than 10,000 animals in need across England and Wales.