A FAMILY who searched in vain for more than two years for their beloved pet now believe he may be living in Newport, many miles from his home.

Maryanne Layton said she thought she saw Spot when driving through the city last week.

But by the time she was able to get out of heavy traffic and return to the Albany industrial estate, the border collie was nowhere to be seen.

Now she is appealing to Argus readers to let her know if they have seen Spot, who is now seven years old.

Mother of three Mrs Layton, of Milford Haven, and her family were heartbroken when the distinctive-looking dog went missing from their home in October 2002.

They have never given up hope of finding their pet, advertising locally and setting up a website devoted to their search.

They even went to Liverpool after a sighting of Spot was reported there, and the website offers a £10,000 reward for his safe return.

"He was part of the family. We had him from ten weeks old and he was just over four and a half when he went missing. He grew up with the children and he was such a wonderful dog."

Spot's story was due to be featured on some children's TV programmes this week, including Newsround.

The website can be found on www.search4spot.co.uk or anyone with information can send it via email to info@search4spot.co.uk.