Family thanks those who tried to find Sandie

John and Lois Crone, of Woodville Road, were walking on Bexhill Down on Saturday, March 6 when Sandie suddenly disappeared down a badger sett.

Unable to locate her, they reported their dog missing, and Mr Crone said: "This triggered a tremendous effort to find her and I wish to express our grateful thanks to all concerned."

Mr Crone added: "Mary Hunter of Natural England quickly and efficiently issued two licences to Bexhill Fire and Rescue Service and BG Drains to enable examination of the area where Sandie disappeared.

"This was necessary because badger setts are protected by law, but Mary then came down from her office in Ashford to personally assist in the search."

The Crones also praised John Drinkwater and his team from Bexhill Fire Station who attended on March 9 to search the area and dig a hole in a bid to further the hunt for Sandie.

Also thanked were Bob Grimshaw, of BG Drains, who brought along an underground camera to help and refused to accept any payment for his time and trouble, and Ian Rushforth, of Rother District Council, for immediately giving consent to the search on council land.

Mr Crone said: "We were most grateful, too, to all those people we met on the Down who expressed sympathy and concern, and volunteered useful ideas. Sadly, the search proved unsuccessful and Sandie is still missing."