SEARCHERS braved atrocious weather to look for a little puppy who fled after a terrier attacked him in a park.

They had almost given up hope when three-month-old Charlie wandered back home two days later.

Overjoyed Vanessa Moore today thanked friends and relatives who looked for her beloved pet in the pouring rain, after he disappeared in Sunnyhurst Woods, Darwen.

Vanessa and husband Bill could not believe her eyes when Charlie managed to find his own way back home, about two miles from where he went missing.

The couple were walking Charlie in Sunnyhurst Woods when he was attacked by a bull terrier-type dog.

Charlie ran off frightened and hurt and disappeared into the woods.

Vanessa, a receptionist at the Lancashire Evening Telegraph's Darwen office, said: "Bill and I scoured the woods until midnight, but could not find him anywhere.

"We went out the next day in atrocious weather but what was amazing was the help we got from other people.

"More than a dozen people joined in the search and we kept getting loads of phone calls at home. I just want to say thank you to all the wonderful people who helped us in our search.

"We had just given up all hope of ever seeing him again when he turned up at home. I have no idea how he found his way back."

Vanessa added: "We have had a dog for years and when the last one died we decided to get Charlie.

"We got him from the Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary and we have got no idea what type of dog he is. He is a lovely pet to have. I am just overjoyed to have him back."

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