BASHFUL Belle is a cat with a £1000 price on her head.

Twenty-one-month old Belle who is distinguished by her long cream fur and chocolate face mask was last seen on Tuesday, June 22 playing with her housemate Gizmo in their garden in Westfield Road, Newport.

"When husband Russell and I got back from work and called to our pets only Gizmo appeared" Mary Bowen, landlady of the Rising Sun pub in Rogerstone, said.

"I looked everywhere for Belle even crawling around on my hands and knees in the shrubbery.

"Neighbours have been keeping a look-out but so far no luck.

"We're distraught and Gizmo is missing his pal so much he's hardly eaten.

"Belle is quite young and it's possible she has been frightened and run off somewhere and will eventually find her way home.

"Although she talks a lot to us she would be shy and wary of strangers and hard to catch but we're desperately hoping she hasn't been stolen."

Belle went missing one day after Russell's 56th birthday.

"Belle's a lovely little cat who snuggles up in bed with us" he said.

"If Gizmo could talk he would be able to give us a clue.

"And I know if Belle could talk she be saying please take me home - I miss my Mum and Dad and Gizmo so much."

Well-wishers have called the Bowen home offering to spread the search throughout Newport.

"I know it's a lot of money but people who say 'it's only a cat' don't understand how us animal lovers feel" Mrs Bowen said.

"It's quite possible that some nice person has found her wandering and taken her in thinking she's a stray.

"Phoning us on 07790 972309 telling us that Belle is safe and well would be absolutely grand."