A FAMILY is offering a cash reward to get back their much-loved pet dog, which was stolen from their garden.

Tayler, a West Highland white terrier, was taken from the Tennet family's home in Norham Avenue North, South Shields, on Tuesday, December 14.

The family believes workmen, possibly from Durham or Chester-le-Street, took the two-and-a-half-year-old pet and have sold it on.

Police are investigating, and the Tennets are appealing for help to get Tayler back and are offering an undisclosed sum of cash.

Dee Tennet said: "We have two children, and they are devastated, as we all are, that Tayler has gone. We are offering a reward for her safe return.

"A neighbour saw two workmen in reflective clothing who were in the area. That day, a leaflet was pushed through the door for a garden services firm, and there was a white van with twigs and shrubs in the back.

"We think it was an opportunist theft and that Tayler may have been sold on to someone who has bought her in all innocence.''

Mrs Tennet said that the dog was microchipped and spayed and that its collar was found at Cleadon.

Anyone with information is asked to call Mrs Tennet on 07966 224670.