ANIMAL welfare officers are appealing for help in tracing a stray greyhound that has so far evaded attempts to capture it.

The dog, which is tan with a white blaze on it chest, has been loose in the Elm Tree and Hardwick areas of Stockton since before Christmas.

Until recently there had been regular sightings of the animal, but welfare officers are hoping that someone in the area may have gained its confidence.

Mark Berry, Stockton Borough Council's principal environmental health officer, said: "We would like to hear from anyone who may be feeding the greyhound or who has the dog visiting their garden."

Anyone with information about the dog is asked to call (01642) 391126.