Since 1860, the lost pets of London have found a safe haven at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. But when it became apparent that in certain weather conditions, the dogs were finding their daily dose of fresh air rather chillier than their welcome, the Home turned to Royal Warrant holder Selectaglaze for a solution.

The challenge was to shelter the dogs' exercise runs from the wind and rain where in winter, according to one inmate, "it was cold enough to freeze the paws off a poodle!"

The solution also needed to leave the existing security grilles in place and preserve the light, airy feel of the dogs' environment.

In an imaginative and innovative use of  existing systems, Selectaglaze, the country's leading specialists in secondary glazing, designed, manufactured and installed a series of large panels from their Series 10 and 45 ranges to sit between the grilles and the runs. The installation incorporated both fixed and horizontal sliding units for optimum air management and steel mesh for permanent ventilation.

In total, 282 units were installed over the two phases of the initiative and have created a far more pleasant and warmer place for the animals stay while waiting to be re-homed.

Asked to comment on the development, this Battersea bulldog told us ... "Grrreat!"

Full details of Selectaglaze's range can be found on the company's new website: www.selectaglaze.co.uk