Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has reunited a pooch with its owner after seven years.

Lyn O'Byrne's Lurcher, Rhia, was stolen from the veterinary practice where she worked in Kent in January 2001.

Since then she has moved to Brighouse in West Yorkshire and thought her beloved dog was lost forever.

But last week the veterinary nurse got a call from the Lost Dogs and Cats Line to say they had a dog registered to her address.

Lyn was traced through a microchip containing her details which was inserted into the scruff of the dog's neck.

"When I received the call I didn't twig why the Lost Dogs and Cats Line were calling me. I thought it might be something to do with my work," she said.

"When they said they had a dog at Battersea called Rhia, registered to my name and address I literally collapsed on the floor."

Lyn travelled to Battersea and was reunited with Rhia, who she said was in good health apart from appearing a little underweight with a few cuts and bruises.

Scott Craddock, from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, said: "We are hoping Lyn's happy ending encourages more people to get their pet microchipped and update their details if they move."