A DOG which caused a town-wide search when it bolted during thunderstorms a month ago, has been reunited with its owner.

Jan Mazurk put posters up all over Darlington appealing for information about her black collie cross, Jazz, last month.

Drivers from ABC taxis even joined in the hunt, placing notices in their cabs and helping to put up posters.

Jazz was discovered last week, living in a home in Stockton, Teesside.

A man had taken the dog in and failed to get it scanned for a microchip or report it to the police.

Stockton Borough Council confirmed that a member of the public phoned its dog wardens with a tip-off and they found the pet.

Mrs Mazurk said: "I'm absolutely delighted to have her back after all this time. I really can't believe it. I want to say thank you to all the people who helped me search for her.

"There have been hundreds of people helping and phoning up to see if she has been found.

"Everyone has been very helpful and I just want them all to know that I have got my dog back safe and sound."

Jazz was awarded a medal when she ran Darlington's Race for Life with Mrs Mazurk in July, helping to raise £230 for cancer research.

Mrs Mazurk rescued the dog four years ago after it had been abused by previous owners, and was about to be put down.