THE owners of a Jack Russell terrier have offered a substantial reward for its safe return after the much-loved family pet disappeared down a rabbit hole.

Firefighters have called off their search for the dog, named Gypsy, which ran down a riverside hole while chasing rabbits this morning.

The dog was being walked on the bank of the River Tees behind St Peter's Church, Croft, North Yorkshire, by sisters Rachel Craine and Claire MacDonald.

When it ran down what they suspected to be a rabbit hole, they contacted fire officers in the hope they could rescue it.

A team from Richmond Fire Station were called to the scene at 3.02pm but could not hear any sound of the dog.

They called RSPCA officers who contacted the relevant authorities to find out whether the hole was a fox den or badger sett.

Shortly before 6pm they started to use endoscope cameras to search down the hole, after officials confirmed it was not a badger sett.

The officers dug extensively around the rabbit hole, but could find no sign of the dog and suspect it may have escaped via another route.

Gypsy is mostly white with a grey patch. Anyone who thinks they know where Gypsy is should contact Claire MacDonald on 07514-066772.

Source: Northern Echo