A Hexham family is thanking the public for its efforts to find missing pup Nessa after she was found safe and well this morning. 

Six-month old Border Terrier pup Nessa disappeared while out walking in the Dukes Wood area of Hexham, on Sunday, but after a large social media campaign, the dog was found safe.   

"A friend of ours - Brian Carr - found her on the way to work near Slaley and spotted her on the Linnels Bridge" said dog owner Catherine.

"She was on the side of the road and was apparently really nervous but he managed to tice her over and amazingly she came over to him!

"He then phoned my husband who said to me he's found her while we were out doing what had become our regular checks at sunrise. It was just after 9:30 (on Friday morning) when we got her back."

The pup had been missing since Sunday and Catherine admitted that she and her family were beginnig to fear the worse before the call was made. 

"We were starting to lose hope to be honest," she added.

"However she's here now and appears to be safe and well.

"We want to thank everyone in the Hexham and nearby area for all their help and support this week. Everyone's been incredible in the search for her." 

"Social media has a lot of pros and cons, but in this case its been an incredible help. Thank you everyone for your virtual support." 

More on this story will be avaliable in next week's Hexham Courant.