A DOG bought by a widow for company after the death of her husband has been stolen from the back of a van.

The pedigree toy Yorkshire terrier called Bertie was stolen from Michael Bleasdale's van when it was parked outside JJB Sports store in Audley, Blackburn.

Mr Bleasdale, 23, of Feniscowles, who works at Pet Warehouse in Oswaldtwistle, was looking after the 18-month-old dog for his grandmother Carol Barnard while she was on holiday in Jersey.

He said: "I was in the shop for about 40 minutes and when I came back I saw that someone had opened the boot of the van with a screwdriver and taken the dog. I called the police but I was distraught."

Mrs Barnard, 66, from Cherryclough Way, Blackburn, said: "My husband Bruce died two years ago from asbestos-related cancer and I got Bertie for company.

"When my son called to tell us Bertie had been stolen I said Oh god. I hope they will love him and be good to him'. He's such a little baby.

"I was away with my 90-year-old mother, daughter and niece and I didn't want it to ruin the holiday, but it did."

Bertie, who cost £350 when he was bought as a puppy, had not been microchipped, and CCTV at the JJB store did not reveal any evidence following the theft, on August 2.

Mrs Barnard said: "I was going to get him chipped but then the girl who did it at the vets left and I never got round to doing it. He was always with me anyway - he'd follow me around the house to every room I went to.

"The whole family are feeling it. My granddaughter, who is two, came at the weekend and said It's not the same is it?' She's right, it is very quiet without him."

Mrs Barnard has contacted the police, missing pets bureau, put a notice in the Lancashire Telegraph last week and has put up posters offering a substantial reward for the safe return of Bertie.

If you have any information on Bertie's whereabouts, call Wendy on 07967 755863.