A little boy heartbroken at the theft of his beloved family dog has penned a letter to Santa asking for his help.

Nine-month-old border terrier, Morse, was snatched from outside a home on Pattenden Lane, Marden while his owners were gardening.

The grizzle coloured dog's disappearance has left Edward Latter, who will be three on Saturday, longing for his canine companion.

In a letter to Father Christmas, Edward wrote: "Dear Father Christmas, I just want one present for Christmas this year, my dog Morse back.

"I've been a very good boy all year, thank you."

Morse’s owner Richard Latter said: "My girlfriend, Amanda, and I are devastated by Morse being taken. It's had such a huge impact on our son Ed. Morse and Ed were inseparable. Christmas is going to be very hard for us."

Richard and his wife Amanda are offering an undisclosed reward for the safe return of Morse.

The campaign for his return has secured the backing of Helen Grant MP, who has pledged to do all she can to help return the puppy to his owners.

Morse had escaped from the property before finding his way into the road, where he was seen being scooped up by a man and a woman in a blue pick up truck who said they were going to return him to his owners.

Mrs Grant MP, who has been a long standing lover border terriers and has had dogs in her family for most of her life, said: "They become much more than pets, they are an integral part of a home and a loss like this can be extremely distressing.

"If we can keep up the momentum through local and national media as well as social networks like Twitter and Facebook, there is a chance he could be found and returned to his home and I for one want to do my bit."

"I call on those who took Morse to search their souls, embrace the spirit of Christmas and do the right thing for the Latter family by returning him."

Anyone with information about Morse's whereabouts can call police on 101, or Mr Latter on 07795 127022.