A SUBSTANTIAL reward is being offered for the safe return of an elderly woman's Pekingese dog taken from her back garden in Smithills.

Betty Dilworth, aged 85, went to bring her dog in from the garden this afternoon and he had gone.

He is a seven-year-old neutered male but Mrs Dilworth does not want his name revealing.

Dog feared stolen is returned to owner's garden

"She is absolutely devastated," said Mrs Dilworth's friend, Rachel Smith, who said the theft had left the elderly woman heartbroken.

"He is her baby. He hasn't been well lately either," she added.

Mrs Dilworth has had the dog since he was a puppy and she is hoping someone will have seen something.

She lives in the New Church Road area of Smithills.

"There is no way he could have got out of the garden himself. He has obviously been stolen," said Miss Smith.

The police have been informed and anyone with information is asked to ring 079 230 22535.