A baby rabbit whose mother died giving birth has been adopted by a Jack Russell dog who has herself just had seven puppies.

The floppy-eared bunny was born at a farm in Mangotsfield. But mum Dotty died during the birth, along with the rest of the baby rabbits.

Owner Fran Whiteway took the surviving bunny home where she has been adopted by Nancy, her pet Jack Russell, and added to her own new brood.

Mrs Whiteway, 35, owner of Franny's Farm at Oakleigh Green Nurseries, said the baby bunny, known only as 'Rabbit A', was settling in well.

She said: "I wondered if we could get away with it. I knew I couldn't look after the rabbit. It's a full-time job.

"My husband didn't think it would work and my children were concerned the puppies would squash the rabbit."

Before meeting its new mother, the six-hour-old, finger-length bunny was placed with the puppies for two hours, to gain their scent.

The puppies quickly nestled with the tiny rabbit, and when it was introduced to the mother, she did not chase it away.

However, the puppies' father, Dudley, has had to be kept away from the rabbit.

Mrs Whiteway said the rabbit was "bony-looking" and "pathetic" but said she hoped the creature will survive.

The rabbit is happily drinking goat's milk from a syringe and appears to be getting stronger.

"It was a challenge. I took a risk, but it was one I just had to take," Mrs Whiteway said. "My dog is helping me out, I suppose. It's wonderful."

While the rabbit will never grow to full size, Mrs Whiteway said she hoped to find a home for it on her farm, along with her ducks, pigs, goats, and rescued battery hens.