A PUPPY was snatched from her locked kennel on a farm in Grayrigg.

Midge, a 12-week-old Patterdale Lakeland puppy, had just been with owner Jack Dixon for four weeks when it was swiped.

“I went to take the dog for a walk and she wasn’t there,” said the 21-year-old. “I was shocked and couldn’t believe it.

“It’s been hard to sleep.”

Mr Dixon was at work at James Cropper Speciality Papers on Monday, July 7 when he arrived home at 4.30pm to find Midge had gone.

He said the people in the holiday cottage on site had seen a parcel delivered which was also taken.

“The next door neighbours said a van was driving around Grayrigg that day which had pulled onto their farm and drove off really fast when they saw them working,” added Mr Dixon.

The breed is worth about £250 and Midge is believed by Mr Dixon to have been taken to sell on.

Midge is described as being black with tanned legs, a white spot on its chest, and fur growing on its back legs and back.

And although she has just been with Mr Dixon for four weeks, he has known her since birth, having got the puppy from a cousin in Settle.

Cumbria Police are investigating the theft and believe she was taken between 1.30pm and 4.15pm.

They said a white van with tinted windows was seen leaving the area that day.

The Dixon family is offering a £200 reward if she is returned.

If anyone spots the puppy they are asked to call 07892883513.