PET detectives are investigating a missing dog which went missing near Bude last week.

Animal Search UK's professional team were contacted by Lucy Blackburn, whose 4-year-old springer spaniel, Tess, went missing from the cliffs between Crooklets and Northcott Mouth on Wednesday, June 3.

The dog went missing on a walk and her owner had tried to find him before recruiting Animal Search UK to step up the campaign.

The coastguard were alerted, but could find no evidence the dog had drowned or was trapped on the cliff. The owner is hoping that Tess managed to scramble to safety and is on the loose now.

Tess is black with a white blaze on her chest. She was wearing a black and white striped collar but this could have come off. She is microchipped.

Animal Search UK's promise is that they will do all they can to leave no stone unturned in the search for a pet.

The team of pet detectives, led by former police officer Tom Watkins, who has over 18 years of investigation experience, are often requested to carry out door to door enquiries or can assist with posters, leaflets, advice and expert support for owners.

He said: "We'll make sure that we have as much background as possible before we commence our investigation. We'll check details about their normal routine, and their usual patterns of movement in the area." For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.