A LAKE District hotel group has launched a cuddly toy dog into space and filmed the entire epic journey - but the intergalactic mutt is now missing.

The helium balloon used to propel Sam the Dog into the stratosphere landed safely in a field in Burnley, but Sam was nowhere to be seen.

Experts say they are 'pretty sure' Sam landed within a 50 mile radius of Burnley, and will offer a free stay at the luxury Midland Hotel in Morecambe to anyone who returns him safely.

English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues teamed-up with Morecambe Bay Community Primary School to send Sam the Dog on a mission to outer space as part of a science project.

Helium balloons lifted Sam into the atmosphere and GPS tracking equipment made sure that he did not get lost along the way.

GoPro action cameras captured the whole thing, even showing what looks like Sam taking a selfie with the world, quite literally, at his feet.

Sam shot up to space at a rate of six metres per second after jetting-off from The Midland Hotel, Morecambe, reaching an altitude of more than 25 kilometres above the earth.

Ben Berry, from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues, said: "Space travel is a risky business and Sam's landing didn't quite go to plan.

"This has been an exciting science project for the children – it has put them in charge of their very own edge of space mission and we were more than happy to give Sam the Dog the chance to follow in Tim Peake’s recent footsteps.

"We were fortunate enough to get a nice clear day which has provided some stunning aerial photographs and footage from above Morecambe and the whole bay area."

School pupil George, aged 10, from Morecambe, said: "We've made history for the school here today and I'm excited to have helped send a toy into space."

Siobhan Collingwood, a teacher at Morecambe Bay Community Primary School, added:  "The orbital launch is the culmination of a two week long space initiative for the children which has included rocket science, Martian experiments and space exploration in a planetarium.

“The SentIntoSpace.com team has a real passion for science and it's been great to use their expertise and the support of English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues to get this exciting project off the ground. 

"The UK Space Agency also provided us with a real life space suit for the children to learn about space survival.

"We have been able to tailor lesson plans, presentations and worksheets around the project to add to the usual science curriculum. 

"We will also be using the data and the images recorded from Sam the Dog's flight as teaching materials. 

"It all contributes to the learning experience for the students and provides a sense of visual achievement."

Chris Rose from SentIntoSpace.com said:  "We have a passion for practical science projects like this and for helping students of all ages and abilities become more engaged in learning. 

"Sending Sam the Dog into space was an ideal opportunity for the children to learn more about gravity, meteorology, technology and of course travel at the edge of space."