THE search is on for a missing toy dog after the equipment which took him into space landed in Burnley.

It landed in a field, close to the town, but Sam had become detached during re-entry and was nowhere to be seen when his tracking equipment and live telemetry systems were recovered.

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According to the flight data, it is thought that he returned to earth within a 40-50 mile radius of the landing site.

The person who finds Sam will be treated to a complimentary stay at the iconic Art-Deco 4 star The Midland hotel in Morecambe.

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

Helium balloons lifted Sam into the stratosphere 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: "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."

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."

Anyone who finds Sam the Dog should contact us on 01539 433 773.