Staff at Dogs Trust in West London usually rehome and provide care for four-legged friends.

However the Uxbridge-based charity has offered a homeless gold fish a 'plaice' to call home.

Paralympian Jordanne Whiley was devastated when she returned home from a weekend away and discovered that her pond had been destroyed by Storm Doris, with her two Koi Carps not surviving the extreme weather.

Jordanne, from Uxbridge, said: “When I returned home I couldn’t believe what had happened; the storm had pushed over a canopy into the pond in my garden, causing the majority of the water to drain out.

“The Koi Carps were lying motionless in the bottom and sadly didn’t make it - however I could see that Maverick, the large gold fish, was still faintly breathing. He had ended up in the only pocket of water that was left in the pond.”

Not wanting to leave Maverick alone in the pond, Jordanne approached her local Dogs Trust to host an unlikely resident, as she knew the charity had a large pond in its grounds.

Richard Moore, Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Harefield, said:

“There were a few confused expressions on staff’s faces when they learned that we were rehoming a fish as opposed to a four-legged friend!

“But, we have plenty of space in our pond and were happy to help Jordanne and Maverick out.

With an impressive list of sporting accolades under her belt, Jordanne received a bronze medal in Women’s Doubles at last year’s Rio Paralympic Games.

The 24-year-old has also been crowned Wimbledon Ladies Wheelchair Doubles Champion for the last three consecutive years.

Jordanne said: “After his ordeal, I was so relieved that Maverick survived and has been happily rehomed with plenty of fishy friends, albeit at a place intended for dogs!

“Aside from aquatics, I’m passionate about dogs and their welfare – in my spare time, I’ve gained a diploma in canine studies and like to help out every week at Dogs Trust, which is situated down the road from me.

“And now I get to see Maverick in his new home every week!”

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or offering any homeless hounds a loving home, please call Dogs Trust Harefield on 0300 303 0292 or visit www.dogstrust.org.uk for more information.