A FAMILY is appealing for the return of their two young dogs, which were stolen last week.

The pair of border terriers, aged six months and a year, were taken from stables at North Road Gardens, Spennymoor, on the night of Tuesday, July 16.

Owner Gillian Liddle, 35, of Durham Road, said: "We really hope they have been stolen to sell on. At least that way someone might realise they have bought our pets and return them."

Children Gemma, 14, and Craig, 12, were devastated when they went to collect their pets from the stable, where they had been staying while the family home was redecorated, to find the dogs and their baskets were missing.

Ms Liddle said: "It is awful. We all adored the puppies and miss them loads."

Police are investigating the incident and anyone with information should call PC Rachel Stockdale, on (01325) 742757