AN epileptic dog stolen from a backyard has been reunited with its owners in time to save its life.

Gary and Sharon Kirkbride, and their three-year-old son Aiden, were devastated when they discovered nine-year-old terrier cross Buster missing from their yard, on Sunday.

The family, of Craddock Street, Spennymoor, spent most of that night and Monday morning searching the town's streets in a desperate bid to find their pet.

But as word of the theft spread, thanks to Eden Road Residents' Association, police were given information which led them to recover the dog from a house in Bishop Auckland, on Monday.

Mrs Kirkbride said: "We really missed him, especially Aiden.

"He needs medication twice a day to control his fits and without it, in a strange environment, with someone who doesn't know what is happening, I don't know if he would have survived."

Officers at Spennymoor police station praised the group's input, which helped them find the dog.

Investigating officer PC Owen Mullen said: "Without the diligence of residents it is unlikely we would have found Buster. The investigation is ongoing, but returning the pet safely is the most important thing."

Beat officer PC Dawn Southern said: "This is a positive example of what can be achieved when residents' association and Neighbourhood Watch schemes work with the police."