SIR Ian Botham’s family have spoken of their devastation after a beloved pet was stolen from outside their home.

Woody, a 15-month-old sprocker spaniel, vanished from an enclosed courtyard next to the cricket legend’s farmhouse in Ravensworth, near Richmond, North Yorkshire, at 11.30am on Sunday.

The dog, which is a springer spaniel/cocker spaniel cross, has a chocolate brown coat, a white neck and green eyes and belongs to Emma Sayle, the girlfriend of Sir Ian’s son, Liam.

The couple were staying at the Botham family home for the weekend when Woody, who had been playing with Liam’s spaniel in the garden, was last seen on the property’s CCTV camera.

The former Newcastle Falcons and Cardiff rugby player said: “It is like having your heart ripped out. Woody is loved by the whole family and means the world to Emma. He certainly comes first in the pecking order and is like a child to her. He has been everywhere with her.

“My mum and dad are gutted because it has happened on their land.

“We want this sorted out as soon as possible.”

Last year, Sir Ian described the farmhouse, where he has lived for 21 years, as his most treasured possession.

Liam, 34, had been taking his daughter for a horseriding lesson before Woody disappeared, while his ex-wife, Miss Sayle and one of his sisters were at the house.

He said there was no way the dog could have left the property by himself because it is surrounded by a 5ft wall topped by a 5ft hedge.

Liam, who yesterday met police to discuss the investigation, said: “Woody has never run off in his life. All he wants is a ball or some water to play in.

“We have increased the reward for information which leads to him being found to £3,000 to show we are not messing around. At the end of the day, all we want is Woody back. I hope someone is taking good care of him.”

The appeal for Woody’s return has drawn support from a number of celebrities, including Atomic Kitten’s Liz McClarnon, England rugby player James Haskell and Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton.

Police have appealed for anyone who knows the whereabouts of Woody, or who has any information about his disappearance, to call 0845-60- 60-24-7.