Battersea Dogs and Cats Home's champion canine Yarnold the Mongrel has predicted a gold medal win for his sporting namesake in this year’s Winter Olympics.

Eleven-year-old Mongrel Yarnold is named after skeleton racer Lizzy Yarnold, one of the UK’s best hopes of a medal in Pyeongchang.

Battersea’s Yarnold has high hopes for the 29-year-old West Kingsdown athlete, who carried the flag for Britain in the Pyeongchang opening ceremony.

He predicts his namesake will be making history this year becoming the first ever British contestant to win two gold medals in the Winter Olympics.

Yarnold is also hoping to strike gold himself, by finding the perfect home. He was brought into Battersea as a stray, but he’s hoping to have a smoother run from here on his quest to find a family.

Becky Fisher, Battersea’s rehoming and welfare manager said: “We’re all crossing our fingers and paws for Lizzy Yarnold and we’re hoping she’ll win gold in the women’s skeleton.

“Closer to home, Battersea’s Yarnold has got his skates on and is hoping to zoom out the door and into a new home soon. If you think Yarnold could be your top dog, please get in touch. Once you meet him, there’s ‘snow way’ you’ll be able to resist his charms.”

If you can offer Yarnold a home, visit battersea.org.uk