THE sad tale of an elderly dog thrown from a fast-moving car has had a happy ending.

The Northern Echo has helped to reunite an 11-year-old deaf Jack Russell terrier with his owner, John Wesley, after the frail animal was taken from his home and hurled out of a car in Tow Law.

The dog, known simply as Pup, slipped his lead in Mr Wesley's backyard.

Pup was later found wandering around the town with a dislocated hip after being thrown from a car on Monday, December 3, near the town's war memorial.

Trisha Robinson, from Evenwood, found Pup and appealed in The Northern Echo to trace his owner.

Mr Wesley, 57, read the plea and was delighted to be reunited with his pet.

Ms Robinson said: "The owner was so pleased to get him back. He had been knocking on doors, ringing everybody and going out his mind with worry. As soon as he walked in the dog livened up again and he was like a little daft pup again. He was so pleased to see him, everyone was in tears."

Despite being found only five minutes from his home in the High Street, Pup could not hear his owner's calls because of his deafness. Mr Wesley walked for miles across the fells searching for the missing dog.

Now he is offering a £500 reward for anyone who provides information that will lead to the prosecution of the people who harmed his pet.

Sergeant Phil Stokoe, of Crook police, said: "The police are taking this very seriously and any information will be dealt with accordingly."

Crook police can be contacted on (01388) 762011.