Husband and wife who slept in their car for four months find a temporary home

Jennifer, 70, and husband Nigel Tysoe, 54, refused to give up cocker spaniel Becky and Staffordshire bull terrier Titan after they made a lifelong promise to their friends when they died to care for their pets.

The couple, formerly of Lovat Drive, have lived and worked in Northampton all their lives and had planned to spend a peaceful retirement in their home. But in January this year Nigel had a fall, was unable to continue working and the couple's marital home was repossessed.

During their time spent sofa surfing for six months, the pair were hit by repeated setbacks. Several landlords turned them down for private rented accommodation because of their adopted pets.

Now the couple have been put in temporary accommodation by Northampton Borough Council after the pair considered their health and the dogs welfare.

The dogs are now staying with friends and family until a permanent arrangement can be made.

Nigel told the Chronicle & Echo: "I would have rather lost my right arm than my dogs... but needs must.

"We are [now] warm and comfortable but we have not got the dogs and that's the biggest point with us."

Their friend Jean Moore, who looked out for the couple while they were living in their car, said: "Nigel and Jennifer have a place to live at long last.

"It's only temporary, maybe for a few weeks then something permanent. As for the dogs I had a long talk with Jennifer as her health was at risk and she obviously took it on board. Nigel's daughter has one dog and a friend has the other until they get something with a garden.

"It is a relief that they are now warm and safe."

Robin Burgess CEO of the Hope Centre said: "We supplied bedding after a call from Northampton Borough Council outreach saying they were going into accommodation.

"The daughter came to pick it up on the way to the accommodation and we exchanged details and a list of what they needed that we could help support with.

"We supplied food, toiletries and some kitchen wear that we had donated and we went to the house on Monday morning.

"They will continue to be able to access the food club, and the day centre if they wanted.”