A YOUNG golden retriever bitch may have been stolen by greedy breeders, its distraught owners fear.

The ten-month-old pedigree, which was a Christmas present for 11-year-old Joe Heywood, has gone missing from Leatherbarrow Farm cottage at Twiss Green, Culcheth.

Now Joe and his five year-old sister, India, are pining for their pal who went missing as their father, Phil, mowed the lawn at their cottage next to Tanner's Farm.

Mum Hilary said: "We fear she has been stolen. Vets and police have highlighted how missing dogs are sometimes used by unscrupulous people for breeding puppies."

A £250 reward is being offered and anyone with information about the missing retriever should call Hilary on 07775 778542 or Phil on 07884 432597.