A £500 reward is being offered for the return of a family’s much-loved pet.

Haresfinch groundworker and father-of-two Paul Twist has covered countless miles in his unceasing quest to find Buster, the family’s six year-old Staffordshire bull terrier.

Taking time to search for Buster cost Paul his job and his quest resulted in him finding another bull terrier in the Carr Mill area which he reunited with its owner at Moss Bank.

His mum, Elaine, from Billinge told the Star: "Buster is a lovely dog and my grandsons Dylan, who is five, and four year-old Cameron, think the world of him. Cameron says Buster is his ‘best friend’.

"He became lost a fortnight ago when Paul took him for a late evening walk around Carr Mill Dam. The whole family is pining for him.”

The neutered dog, which is fawn with blue markings on its back, has cost devoted owner Paul and his wife, Caroline, a fortune since he bought it as a tiny puppy.

Buster was only a few weeks old when he jumped up and broke his back leg. That was operated on and soon after he did it again and broke the other leg. It has cost thousands to repair the damage.

Anyone with infiormation should call 01744 609228 or 603954.