The 13-month-old tan and black border terrier, which is microchipped, was taken on Saturday afternoon from the front of the house in Station Road.

Adele Headey said her son Karl, 12, was 'devastated' by the loss of his beloved pet which they had only acquired in the summer.

She said, "It has been Karl's dream to have a dog and this summer we finally decided he was able to have one.

"She's such a loving family dog.

"Karl is incredibly upset by it. It's our family pet and we just want her back."

Adele said neighbours saw a car stop in the middle of the road and a woman get out of the passenger seat.

The woman is said to have picked up the dog and carried her back to the car, which then sped away. The car is said to be dark green, possibly a Ford Fiesta.

The family have plastered posters around the town with the puppy's picture on it.

Adele said, "It's quite cruel really. If they had picked her up for her own benefit, because she was about to get hurt or something, then fair enough but to just take her like that is not fair.

"Just because she looks nice doesn't mean she is theirs to keep.

"I want her to be given back to her family.

"As a grown up you cope with things like this but children can't rationalise it."

Anybody with information on the puppy's whereabouts can contact Adele on 01323 843308 or 07761 203451 or visit www.doglost.co.uk