OWNERS are desperately searching for their much-loved dog after it went missing from a farm in North Yorkshire.

Steven Nelson and partner Yvonne Scales have been searching for over one month for their grey-blue whippet Nina, who was last seen in North Cowton, near Northallerton.

Ms Scales said Nina was last seen while she and her partner were working on their farm.

She said: "We were out on the farm when she wandered off round to see my son for a bit. She saw him and turned to come back to where we were and has never been seen since.

"She's very savvy, and not at all the type that gets lost so we think she's gone down the cart road and somebody has picked her up.

"She's a blue whippet and they do seem to be quite a coveted breed."

The pair have searched the area and beyond for Nina and have set up a Facebook page, Find Nina North Cowton, with the help of The Lost Dog Trapping Team network in Teesside.

There is also now a substantial reward for Nina's return.

Ms Scales said: "She's quite a small whippet with a very arched back and she's got quite a noticeable scar on her left leg. You can't mistake her as she's very distinctive and she will answer to her name.

"We're absolutely heartbroken. She was the first thing Steve and I had together eight years ago and she's not just a dog, she's family. We just want our Nina back."

Those with possible information about Nina's whereabouts should contact Steve or Yvonne on 07736288111