A FARNWORTH mum is appealing for help from BEN readers after her dog disappeared from outside a supermarket.

Joan Hall was devastated to discover her 13-year-old Yorkshire Terrier was missing after she did her weekly shop at Asda in the town.

The dog, which is called Judy, is seriously ill with cancer and underwent a recent operation to treat the disease.

When Joan had done her shopping on Friday, between 6pm and 6.30pm, she went outside and found Judy's lead where she had left her but no sign of the dog.

Joan's 25-year-old daughter, Deborah Hall, said: "My mum is absolutely heartbroken and worried sick.

"She can't stop crying. We think someone has stolen Judy because even if she was let off her lead, she would always wait for my mum.

"Judy is dying anyway but we are worried someone has taken her and realised she is old and sick and just left her somewhere.

"She eats a special diet and never eats dog food so we dread to think what state she is in now."

Deborah and her mum are offering a reward for the safe return of Judy and have put up dozens of posters all over Farnworth appealing for help.

Anyone with information on Judy is urged to call 407533, 795467 or 535742.