A FAMILY has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of help and support given to them after their dog went missing in Bude.

Fortunately, little Dougal has now been reunited with his family, but owner Francine Palmer from Hatherleigh felt the experience would be a turning point for herself and her children, following a recent family tragedy.

Francine and her children — Sacha, 10, Seb, 8, and Delphi, 6 — took Dougal, a Toy Poodle, for a walk at Crooklets on Sunday afternoon.

While at the beach, Dougal ran off after a ball. He climbed up the side of a cliff and was last seen as a little spot in the distance.

Francine said: "He's never done it before. It was very traumatic. We didn't expect to see him again."

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.