by Sian Napier

People from across the country have been descending on Canterbury to help find a disabled pensioner's beloved great dane.

He is distraught after his beloved great dane was stolen while out for a walk in the city on Friday afternoon.

Tony Hickson, who uses a motorised buggy to get around, and Daisy are a familiar sight in the city as every day they went on a two to three mile walk out to Barton Mill.

But on Friday, at about 2pm, while Daisy was following Mr Hickson in Palace Street she disappeared.

A market trader told Mr Hickson he had seen the dog going up the High Street with a young blonde woman. Another couple said they had seen a woman grab Daisy’s chain and lead her away.

An national network of dog lovers found out about the loss and two taxis of people from Cardiff and the charity doglost.co.uk turned up to help.

Mr Hickson said: “Daisy and I are so close she is never more than a few steps away. All day long she lies on the bed in my room while I work at my desk by the side.

"Daisy will be so distressed now and that is what really upsets me. I am more attached to her than any other living thing and we were never apart. I’ve hardly slept or eaten since she went.”

Posters appealing for Daisy’s return have been put up all over the city and Mr Hickson is offering a substantial reward. Those who can help should ring his daughter on 01795 536519.

For more on this story, see this week’s Kentish Gazette out on Thursday.