An emotional search for a treasured lost dog has been given ‘unbelievable’ support from the Helsby community.

Colin, a nine-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, went missing at Helsby Quarry on July 1.

Owner Sue Carter said she had been overwhelmed by the response with a huge team of people helping to track the special pet down.

Colin is an invaluable companion for her soon-to-be father-in-law Cliff Jones, who lives at The Windings in the village.

Sue said: “The way people have come together has been unbelievable.

“I’m getting quite emotional about it and we burst into tears when we saw the size of the search party, these people were strangers until last week.

“It’s completely overwhelming.

“Colin was so loved by everybody before he went missing. I don’t even want to contemplate what might have happened and we can’t give up hope of finding him.”

Colin, a nine-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, has been missing in Helsby since July 1

'Companion'

The Jack Russell has been a partner for Cliff through the death of his wife Jean and a series of strokes which have limited his movement.

He recently moved to the sheltered accommodation in Helsby from Huyton and having his companion by his side was helping him adjust.

After Colin went missing, the family received help from local vets as well as Donna Ryan, from Frodsham, who had useful contacts in the area and has been a driving force behind publicising the search on social media.

The appeal to help find him has gained traction on local Facebook groups with people coming forward to lend their support.

Sue and her fiancé Ian Jones have been pulling 16-hour days in trying to trace Colin, she said the number people getting involved had made it a very emotional week.

Hundreds have helped in the search; handing out leaflets, putting up posters and sharing the appeal.

Runners, Scouts and schoolchildren are among the groups which have been pitching in.

A huge search party turned out to look for missing dog Colin in Helsby

There have been a number of suspected sightings in the village over the last 10 days, but the dog has not been recovered.

Colin is chipped, and is wearing a collar with Ian’s telephone number on it. He is described as white, with a tan face and black speckles on his nose.

'It really is amazing'

The search to find him goes on.

Sue said: “It really is amazing, when I say overwhelming I mean it in the best and nicest way.

“We wanted to raise awareness of the search, but also to highlight the wonderful work of these fantastic people and thank them for their efforts.

“Colin has to be out there somewhere.”

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