Rio a golden retriever has given birth to a green puppy.

The surprise new arrival was one of a litter of nine puppies born to the three-year-old family pet.

Louise Sutherland, Rio's owner, admitted she was rather taken aback by the appearance of the puppy.

Mrs Sutherland, from Golspie in the Scottish Highlands, has named the dog Forest, the Sun reported.

It is understood to be only the fourth time this has happened. One previous occurrence took place in February this year when a chocolate labrador gave birth to a green puppy in Lancashire.