There were jubilant scenes this morning, after a family was reunited with their missing dog they never thought they would see again.

Milo, a 15-year-old collie cross who is deaf and has dementia, hadn't been seen since 6pm on Thursday, when he disappeared from his garden in Belnor Avenue in Bobbing.

His heartbroken owners Rebecca and Ryan Simpson shared an appeal to help find him on social media, but after several days of unsuccessful searches began to fear the worst.

This morning, however, the couple got a call to say he had been spotted a mile away at Callum Park Riding School in Basser Hill, by someone who had recognised him from a poster.

Mrs Simpson, a 35-year-old nurse, said: "I just didn't believe it was him when we got the call. Ryan and I were at our lowest ebb and we didn't think we would see Milo again.

"It was absolutely overwhelming when we arrived and he was there.

"He just sank into me and then gave Ryan a big lick. It's still a mystery as to how he got there but we are just so pleased to have him back"

It follows a search last night, where dozens of people turned out to help the family look for Milo.

Mrs Simpson added: "Everybody had been fantastic, there must have been 12 car loads of people and some that I'd never met before.

"We would never have found him if it wasn't for all the support we have had online and people sharing the posts. I'm staggered by the generosity of spirit of those that helped."

Milo, who is underweight and dehydrated after his adventure, will now spend the day being checked out by a vet before returning to the family home.