It would have made a moving storyline for Coronation Street viewers.

As traffic bumped along the cobbles in front of the Rovers Return, an abused puppy cowers by the roadside. The Street has seen many deaths and the pup looked like it would take part in another tear-jerker.

But even in real life, there's sometimes a hero waiting in the wings - Corrie's Ryan Thomas.

Ryan, who plays Jason Grimshaw, saw the puppy in St John's Gardens near the Granada complex.

Coaxed

Ryan went home and returned with girlfriend Tina O'Brien, who plays Sarah Platt, and coaxed the pup into his car. They then saw the animal had cigarette burns and rang the Animals In Distress sanctuary, which took it into their Irlam HQ.

Staff there were so impressed with the actor they called the pup Ryan - and the couple are now thinking about taking the animal on as a pet. Ryan said: "I'd like to have him but I can't promise anything."

Tina said: "How anyone could hurt a puppy I don't know? It's disgusting."

Tina has now agreed to be the star attraction at a fund-raiser at the Irlam sanctuary on Silver Street on April 22.

* For more information call the sanctuary on 0161 775 2221, *