A pensioner who was left heartbroken and lost after his dog went missing one month ago has now been reunited with his pet.

Michael Ward from Folkestone got his chihuahua Rio seven months ago, but he sadly escaped from his home in Watkin Road last month.

The 69-year-old was desperate to get his pet home and withdrew hundreds of pounds from his pension as a reward for whoever re-unites him with his pet.

"He went to the Post Office and withdrew £500 from his pension," Mr Ward's friend John Carey said.

"As soon as he got Rio, he got him microchipped.

"He was beside himself when he went missing.

"His exercise is taking the dog to the park, it is his life and now a big chunk of it is missing."

Mr Ward has health problems which mean he has a mobility scooter.

"Because he uses a mobility scooter, taking Rio for a walk is his exercise," Mr Carey said.

"It gives him something to do otherwise he is on his own.

"His dog is his life.

"He is in tears about it and thinking someone has stolen him."

"Rio is a really curious dog and unfortunately got out a back gate..."

Rio, who is about two-years-old, escaped out of an open gate.

"He was getting ready to take Rio out for a walk and left the door slightly ajar," Mr Carey said.

"Rio is a really curious dog and unfortunately got out a back gate.

"Mick lost his previous dog not long before this on Christmas Day.

"He was devastated. He'd gone out to get some milk and came back and his dog had died.

"He called me and I went to see him, he was crying his eyes out. It was heartbreaking"

Rio has now been found and is safely home with his owner Mr Ward.