A REWARD of £500 has been issued for information leading to the whereabouts of a Tavistock family's beloved dog, which went missing last weekend.

Verity Lock was walking with her three dogs around Maristow Estate near Lopwell Dam on Saturday morning when her Bedlington X Whippet, called Murphy, disappeared.

All three dogs were freed from their leads while walking down a track nearby, but only two returned when Verity called them back to her vehicle.

Verity said five-year-old Murphy never came back and she is growing increasingly concerned on his whereabouts.

She said: 'Murphy is nervous towards strangers but he is a lovely dog once he knows you.

'We have searched everywhere, in hedges and in every field around the area for 12 hours a day over the weekend and we will keep looking — I am desperate to find him. It's like losing a child.

'If anyone has him please return him or if anyone has seen him please contact me.

Verity added that Murphy is micro-chipped and can easily be identified.

Anyone who may recognise Murphy and know of his whereabouts are asked to contact Verity on 07980590176.