One of two trained gundogs stolen from the back of a parked car has been found safe and well.

Willow, a four-and-a-half-year-old brown and white cocker spaniel has been reunited with its owner, after following a member of the public home in Bexhill in East Sussex.

The man, who thought the dog was a stray, fed the Spaniel, and then took it to his local warden who, using the dog’s microchip, identified Willow as stolen.

But still missing is Meg, a seven-year-old black and white Springer spaniel who was also taken some time between 1.25pm and 3pm from the back of a blue Volvo V40 estate parked at Syndale in Ospringe on January 13.

It’s thought Meg may also be in the Bexhill area and police are asking the public to be vigilant.

Detective Inspector Emma Banks said: "We are pleased that one of the dogs has been found and been reunited with its rightful owner, but we are still keen to get the outstanding dog back too.

"The dogs have been together for some years and will pine for each other if kept apart."

Owner Douglas Barker, who had been working the dogs on a rough shoot at Syndale that morning, is still coming to terms with the theft.

"The dogs had worked hard all morning and I left them in the car to have a rest, a decision I regret," said the 71-year-old, from Cliftonville.

"When I returned to the car and saw the boot open and the dogs gone I felt heartsick. Those two dogs have been my left and right hand, one for seven years and one for four years."

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact Kent Police on 01795 419182 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting crime number CY/000657/11.