AN international operation has begun in a bid to reunite a lost dog with its owners.

The black and white terrier cross was found wandering Dent Bank, Middleton-in-Teesdale, County Durham, on Wednesday, and taken in by Coxhoe-based Stray Aid.

Volunteers at the charity found the pooch was wearing a French disc on his collar and a scan revealed a French microchip.

Stray Aid chief executive John Bielby has contacted the French chipping company in an effort to find out who the dog's owners are.

“We have traced the dog back to France, but can't get any further with it,” he said.

“We can only assume he was on holiday with someone from France and got lost and his owners do not know how to contact anyone in this country.”

If anyone can help reunite the dog with its owners, its picture has been posted on www.strayaid.co.uk and is listed in the 'found dogs' section with the reference number SD027-13. Stray Aid can also be contacted on 0300-9994247.

Mr Bielby also advised UK dog owners planning to take their pets abroad to get a temporary dog tag for the duration of their vacation with the holiday address stamped on it.