Meet Polly, the pretty puppy who was dumped in a cardboard box at a village bus stop.

The nine-week-old pedigree springer spaniel had been left without a note or any clue to where she came from.

A passer-by going to work discovered her, frightened and alone, in Station Road, Herstmonceux, near Hailsham.

The brown and white puppy was picked up by RSPCA inspector Cora Moore.

She was taken to a nearby vet for a check-up and then on to the RSPCA animal centre in Patcham, near Brighton.

Inspector Moore said: "This poor puppy had only just been weaned and yet appears completely unwanted, just dumped by the bus stop for someone to find her."

Polly was named by staff at the centre and will remain there until a home can be found for her.

She will stay with a member of staff in a flat above the centre for the next seven days.

Polly has received all her vaccinations and was being house trained.

Staff member Cheryl Wood said: "Somebody must have some information about her. It's unusual for a pedigree puppy to be abandoned.

"She must have cost someone a bit of money. It doesn't make sense that someone would buy a puppy and then just dump her."

Polly has a slight problem with one of her eyes but staff said it could easily be corrected when she was older.

Ms Wood said she was still a bit nervous but getting used to her surroundings with plenty of cuddles.

Anyone with information about where Polly came from is asked to contact the RSPCA on 08705 555999. All calls will be confidential.