A BOY with special needs has been reunited with his puppy which was taken from an Eastleigh town centre car park - thanks to the Daily Echo and a sharp-eyed reader.

Shiloh, a six-month-old springer spaniel/collie cross, was given to ten-year-old Samuel Hubbard to help him get over the sudden death of his grandmother in January.

But the dog disappeared after being left in the back of a car while Sam's mother, Jennifer Hubbard, stopped off in Eastleigh briefly while taking someone to Southampton Airport.

The day was hot and when Mrs Hubbard, from Folkestone in Kent, returned to her car she was told that Shiloh had been taken to Eastleigh police station. But police said the dog was never brought to them and launched an appeal to track down the puppy which was described as being Sam's "therapy, pal and confidant".

As a result of Daily Echo publicity the police were contacted by someone who was able to lead them to where the missing puppy was being kept.

Now Sam has been reunited with Shiloh and Mrs Hubbard said: "My son is absolutely over the moon. He is bouncing around as much as the dog. It's an absolute miracle when you think of the number of dogs that go missing - and an answer to our prayers."

Praising the assistance she had received from Eastleigh bus station, Eastleigh police, the Daily Echo and various individuals, she added: "A lot of people have been very helpful."

Eastleigh-based Sgt Julie Fry said: "Officers found the dog had been well cared for during its time away from its rightful owners. It is to our great pleasure that we have managed to reunite Sam with his dog."