A FAMILY'S hopes of finding their long-lost pet dog has been re-kindled after it is thought to have been was spotted twice in the Weald. Gvir, a golden-beige coloured Canaan, disappeared from his home in Egerton Forstal, near Headcorn, in September.

His owner, Lorna Hastings, has spent frantic weeks scouring the countryside, and for a while was able to trace the dog's movement.

She said: "It's a very distinctive breed, slightly larger than a Collie, with a wedge-shaped head. Gvir has a thick bushy tail that he curls over his back when moving and he seems to glide along, because he trots rather than walks."

Gvir, who won Best Dog In Breed at Crufts in March, 2000, also has a thick coat, a little like a Husky, with a mane, and deep black pigmentation around his eyes and nose. Miss Hastings said: "Until December, we had positive sightings of him around High Halden and Biddenden, but then nothing until last week."

A report of Gvir's plight in The Times newspaper led to two confirmed sightings - one in Capel and most recently off Clapper Lane, Staplehurst. Miss Hastings said: "We would just so love to have him back. My four-year-old son has been heartbroken. At Christmas, all he kept asking was: 'Will Santa bring Gvir back, Mummy?"

Miss Hastings and her partner Neil Pollard, moved to Heronsdale Farm, Egerton Forstal, 13 months ago. They used to live in Howland Road, Marden, and one theory is that Gvir may be trying to find his way back to his former home.

Anyone who spots Gvir is asked to telephone Miss Hastings on 01233 756565 or to contact the RSPCA.