IT was love at first sight when Alesha Dixon paid a visit to Southridge RSPCA Animal Centre.

The singer saw a nine-week-old crossbreed puppy called Daisy at the centre, in Packhorse Lane, on July 18 and immediately decided to take her home.

Miss Dixon said: “I was on the look out for a companion for my first dog, Roxy, and thought I would just take a drive up to Southridge to see what dogs there were in there, when I saw Daisy fell in love with her.

"How could you not? She is such a little darling, I just couldn't bring myself to leave her there."

Daisy will now join Roxy, a Collie crossbreed also found at Southridge, in the Dixon household in Hertfordshire.

Daisy arrived at Southridge after her owner lost his job and could no longer afford to keep her.

She was then rehomed, but returned to the centre within five days because she was too boisterous for their child.

Roxy, who was adopted from Southridge in October 2006, had been returned to the centre twice before the new Strictly Come Dancing judge took her home.

Miss Dixon said: "I think the animal shelter is wonderful.

"I would much prefer to go and get a dog from there than from a breeder. They are all crying out for loving homes and have quite often had a bad start, and breeders are sometimes only thinking about lining there own pockets.”

Terry Pavey, centre spokesman said: "It seems that Alesha has the magic touch because whatever the past, both dogs are now settled and happy."