A TEACHER is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of two men she believes stole her pet dog.

Diane Tennet has been searching for her two-year old West Highland white terrier, Tayler, since it disappeared from outside her home in Norham Avenue North, South Shields, four weeks ago.

She said: "The thieves may have thought Tayler was valuable, but she had been spayed, so can't be used for breeding, and has been micro-chipped, so it would be very difficult to sell her.

"I desperately want her back, and have informed the police, but despite making many inquiries and searching all over the area, I have found no trace of her."

A neighbour has told her that she saw two men, both wearing yellow work jackets, calling Tayler from the garden and then taking her away in a van. The vehicle was said to have had garden waste in the back.

Ms Tennet, who teaches at a secondary school in Whitburn, is offering a cash reward for the dog's return, but has been advised by police not to mention the amount on offer.

She said: "My main hope is that she has been passed on to some family who are looking after her, without knowing about the theft."

She asked anyone with information to call her on 07966 224670 or contact any police station.