A DOG who was almost bought by the King of Jordan and once took himself on a train journey, has disappeared from his home.

Jasper the Beagle is well-known at the Hook and Hatchet Pub in Hucking, near Maidstone, where he has enjoyed walks not only with his owners, landlords Susan and Timothy Clark and their son Ricky, but locals as well.

In fact, he has become a bit of a bit of a character throughout the county, with customers regularly phoning up to ask if he will be there on the day of their visit.

But the five-year-old, tri-coloured Beagle disappeared from the pub on March 26 and his owners now fear his gentle ways may have led him to fall victim to thieves.

Ricky, 19, who works in the pub with his parents, said: “Jasper is very well-known and is absolutely adorable. My mum can’t even talk about what’s happened without starting to cry.

“We have had him from a puppy and we had to grab him before the King of Jordan, who had flown in by helicopter to buy a pet from the same litter.

“Jasper is quite a character. We live in 600 acres of woodland and Jasper would walk himself every day.

“He often meet up with walkers on some of the paths and bring them back to the pub. He used to sit in the window and look out for people he liked the look of and could walk with.

“Two weeks ago, we had a birthday party here at the pub and they only chose us because they had heard about Jasper. Often people book on the basis of whether Jasper is here or not, so they can take him for a walk.”

Jasper is famed for wandering onto trains. He once ended up in Ashford after boarding a train at Harrietsham and had to be put on a return train where he sat with the driver. He is also keen on cars and will get into any vehicle – another reason why his owners fear he would be easy to steal.

Mr Clark said: “We just want him back.”

Jasper is microchipped. If you can help call Maidstone Police Station on 01622 604180.