A stolen dog living in Kent has been reunited with her original owner in Blackpool after four years

Nala, a Staffordshire bull terrier, was stolen from Blackpool resident Adrian Gleadhill in 2014 and, after being sold on by thieves, she was moved 290 miles south to Snodland by her unwitting new keeper.

However, while all may have seemed lost for Mr Gleadhill, a routine vet check-up identified Nala’s microchip and her past in Blackpool was revealed.

PC Martyn Tulk from the Citizens in Policing team at Kent Police was made aware and contacted Lancashire Police.

He then was able to make contact with Nala’s rightful owner.

After a seven-and-a-half-hour journey from Blackpool Nala and her owner had an emotional reunion.

PC Tulk said: "It was a pleasure to be able to reunite the dog with its rightful owner. After being away for so long it was great to see the recognition Nala had for her family.

"The person who had innocently bought Nala was extremely supportive and although they were also a victim in this they helped us to ensure she was returned.

"It shows the importance of micro-chipping your pets, which is a legal requirement, in returning lost and stolen pets with their rightful owners."