A five-month-old puppy has been reunited with his family after being stolen from the back of a car.

Max, a black and white collie and Jack Russell cross was taken from his owner's car parked outside Dymchurch village hall. He was found safe and well by police officers in Ashford on Tuesday.

The thief smashed the rear windscreen and ripped open Max's cage to take him and left another dog, Rosie, smothered in glass.

The Couzens family of Dymchurch were heartbroken when the rescue puppy, which they took in at Christmas, went missing and immediately launched a poster campaign and contacted the Kentish Express.

Mark Couzens was delighted at the news of Max's return. He said: "I rang the police after being told on Monday about Max's possible whereabouts. Officers collected the puppy and brought him back to the house and it was only then that we realised it really was Max.

"When PC Richard Lievers brought him into the house our other dog Rosie was so excited to see him again."

Since his return Max has been spoilt by the family, who have vowed never to leave him in the car again. Mr Couzens added: "In the 10 days he's been away he has lost weight, but we will feed him up and get him back to normal.

"Last night he had a lovely big bath and is now settling back in. We're so happy to have him home and would like it known that he will not be left in the car at all in future. Thank you to everyone who helped us and put up posters. I would particularly like to thank PC Lievers and the Kentish Express for putting Max on the front page."

Police spokesman Jon Green said: "We had a call from someone who thought she had seen the puppy. Police went to the address in Ashford and the woman said it had been sold to her by a man. At the moment there is no evidence telling us exactly what happened to Max.

"The good news is that he is back with the family and we strongly advise people not to leave pets in the car."