A family have been reunited with their puppy after she went missing for 10 days over Christmas.

Jack Russell Woody disappeared on December 21 after she was spotted following walkers down Breach Lane in Lower Halstow near Sittingbourne.

People helped catch the five-month-old after she walked into he road at the junction between Boxted Lane and Holywell Lane.

Two men are believed to have convinced the helpers to hand her over – saying they knew the owner and would return her.

They then drove off in a van and Woody wasn't seen again.

However, last night the owner received a call from someone who had spotted the pooch walking near Sittingbourne, four miles from her home.

Andrea Marshall, niece of Woody's owner, said: "It's the best start to the new year we could ask for.

"The people who spotted her don't know the family but they recognised her from all the media attention, got in touch and brought her home."

KentOnline wrote a story of the missing puppy on December 29 and pet boards like PetDatabase.com and the Stolen and Missing Pets Alliance all made posts about woody to help with the search – something Andrea feels helped in finding the puppy.

She said: "She has lost a little weight but she seems well and is a very happy pup.

"It has been an incredibly emotional time for the family.

"We just want to thank everyone so much for all the help and support. We couldn't have done it without them."

Andrea also encouraged those dealing with similar issues to never give up hope and follow all advice given by lost dog organisations.

She also wanted to thank DogLost and its volunteers which offered the family support and assistance in bringing Woody home.