A BLACK Patterdale terrier bitch belonging to former European gold medallist event rider Lucy Thompson has gone missing, believed stolen, from her stable yard at Four Elms, near Tonbridge.

The rider was contacted by friends after her dog, Pepper, went missing at about 9pm on Tuesday night.

After hearing the news, she was due to return early from a trip to France. Her colleague, June Powell, said: "I spoke to her on the telephone and she's very upset about the loss of her pet."

Pepper is described as having black curly fur, and still in milk having just weaned a litter of pups, all of which have recently gone to other homes.

It was the last litter the three-year-old could have, as she has now been spayed. She is microchipped and was wearing a collar with an identification tag attached.

Anyone with information about Pepper's whereabouts is asked to call 01732 700569, to contact West Kent police on 01732 771055 or to ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Lucy Thompson was open European three day event champion 1995 - 1997 and represented Ireland as a senior equestrian. She now runs a teaching, competition and livery yard.