A DOG stolen from its North-East owners while on holiday in France has been found - three months after it disappeared.

Jasper, a five-year-old English cocker spaniel, was taken from Alan and Jean West's camper van during an overnight stop at services in Dijon, in January.

The Darlington couple awoke to find the door of their vehicle forced open and their pet stolen.

A search of the area failed to find Jasper and the theft was reported to French police.

"After taking details of Jasper's pet passport and identity chip, the police told us to carry on with our journey to Spain, where we were visiting friends," said Mrs West, 63.

"We did, but we were devastated."

The couple spent the next two months touring Spain, then travelled home to England via Dijon.

"We hoped we might find Jasper wandering around," said Mrs West. "That wasn't the case, and we came home. Nobody in the family could believe it. Everyone was so upset."

A month later, an animal rescue centre in Lyons - almost 200km (125 miles) from where Jasper was stolen - rang the Wests to say Jasper had been found.

"I almost dropped the telephone," said Mrs West. "I was crying and yelling. They had found him wandering in Lyons and he was fine. His identity chip meant they could find our details straight away."

Mrs West and her 67-year-old husband caught a ferry to France and had an emotional reunion with Jasper at the sanctuary.

"He was dirty and smelly but we didn't care," said Mrs West. "He was all over us, licking the tears off my face.

"We got him home and although he's back to his normal ways now, he won't leave my side.

"I just wish he could talk so he could tell us where he was for those three months."