A FAMILY have appealed for their dog to be returned after it was taken from outside a Darlington shop.

Liz Hayman yesterday said she was heartbroken that her 13-year-old West Highland White terrier, Holly, was missing.

The dog suffers from an enlarged liver and heart, and needs to follow a strict diet and take medication.

Holly was taken from outside the Spar shop in Blackwell at about 11.45am on Saturday, while Mrs Hayman was inside the store.

Mrs Hayman and her family have since made posters appealing for their dog to be returned, and have put them up as far afield as Ferryhill and Bishop Auckland.

"Holly is part of our family, and it is horrible not knowing where she is or if she is safe," said Mrs Hayman.

"I couldn't believe it when I found she'd gone on Saturday, I was frantic.

"All we really want is to know she is safe. It's even worse knowing she's not well, and whoever has got her won't know about her special diet or that she might need medication."

Holly is very small, white, and with brown feet and face, and was wearing a red tartan collar with a matching lead.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Mrs Hayman on 07981 914998.