PENSIONER Ken Smith cuts a familiar figure as he trudges a town's streets, day and night, looking for his lost dog.

Neighbours, local children, residents and even complete strangers stop and ask the 72-year-old if he has found his silver grey Cairn terrier, called Scott.

He has asked local dog wardens for help, conducted a search of kennels, veterinary surgeries and dogs' homes in the area, in the hope that the six-year-old has been found.

Everyone on the front desk at Billingham police station knows the widower, from his daily visits for any news or sightings of the missing dog.

Mr Smith has walked an estimated 50 miles through the town of Billingham since Scott disappeared from his front garden in Grampian Road, nine days ago.

"I keep to the same area, hoping he will come back, but I think now I may try farther afield,'' said Mr Smith.

Particularly since the death of Mr Smith's wife, Joyce, Scott has become the pensioner's constant companion.

His other two dogs, a collie called Lucy and Rosy, Scott's 15-year-old grandmother, are both pining for the terrier.

"He is a good companion. When I lost my wife, Scott and the other two helped me through it," said Mr Smith. "When I was really down and sad and crying, he would put his head on my lap."

He has been heartened at how his plight has got around the town. People have come to his door asking if Scott has been found.

A motorist caused a minor traffic jam the other night when he saw Mr Smith in a street and stopped to ask for news of the dog.

"People are getting to know by word of mouth," said Mr Smith, who, because he does not want to fall foul of litter laws, has only put out one printed flyer asking for information about Scott.

"I am hoping against hope he will turn up,'' said Mr Smith. "It would make my Christmas.''

Anyone spotting or catching Scott is asked to telephone Billingham police station, on (01642) 302226.