A RARE Chinese dog which escaped from its home during the high winds last week has been found.

Penny, a Chinese Shar pei, escaped when winds blew the front door of her home open last Thursday.

Worried owner Helen King, who lives in the Denes area of Darlington, delivered leaflets around her neighbours' homes and put up dozens of posters in the Brinkburn Road area.

Ms King, who has seven dogs, said: "We were down in Sheffield and someone else was looking after the dogs.

"In the high winds the front door blew open and all the dogs got out.

"They were all found quickly - except for Penny.

"We got a call on Friday to say a gentleman had found her in Mowden. When we got to her she wasn't too cold, so I think someone had taken her in for the night.

"We gave her a big steak and salmon meal when she got back because she was absolutely starving."