A DEVASTATED schoolgirl today made a heartfelt plea for the return of her rabbit.

Nicola Hartley, 10, of Walton Lane, Nelson, said Cheeky was in his hutch at 10pm on Friday but had vanished by Saturday. She has had him for six months since he was born and is desperate to get him back.

Mum Linda, 45, said they had made sure that the hutch and the garden were secure. She said: "Somebody must have seen him and taken a liking to him.

"We are all really upset, it is like losing a member of the family. We urge anybody who may have seen him to get in touch with the police."

Cheeky is fluffy with a mainly white coat, with brown smudges and is an average size. Anyone with information should call Nelson CID on 01282 472645.