A FAMILY is offering a reward for the recovery of dogs that have gone missing in the Chester-le-Street area.

Family pets Scuppy, an Alsation, and smooth-haired border collie, Kathy, have been missing for three weeks, although in recent days there have been several reported sightings of the dogs on the Gibside and Waldridge Park estates.

Owner Janice Chingles has put up posters in the area and has scoured the streets looking for her dogs.

"We are desperate," she said. "We have spent the last week down there looking for them morning, noon and night."

Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of the dogs is asked to call Janice on 0788 4011 992.