A cat that went missing 10 years ago has been reunited with its delighted owner - after it was found 250 miles away.

The Dorset Echo covered the story of Chubbs the cream and grey tabby in 2012, after it disappeared from its Weymouth home for the third time.

Ten years later in May 2022, a bedraggled Chubbs was found on the street by a hedgehog rescuer in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Greater Manchester.

Concerned by the animal's struggle to walk, the rescuer took Chubbs to the local vet, where microchipping revealed that its owner is Donna Gallacher of Weymouth.

Donna, 40, said: "It was surreal when I got that phone call. I didn't think I was ever going to see him again. I've been searching for Chubbs for 10 years."

Mum-of-two Donna had an emotional reunion with her long-lost pet after it was transported back to its rightful owner.

Dorset Echo: Chubbs back home in Weymouth in 2022 - 10 years after going missing Chubbs back home in Weymouth in 2022 - 10 years after going missing

"I was overwhelmed by it," she said. "I knew in my heart that he was still alive, I just knew he was out there somewhere.

"The fact that he's come back to me after all this time is a miracle. It's just magical news."

Donna believes that Chubbs was stolen from the street in Weymouth back in 2012 and had been neglected by whoever the owner was in Ashton-in-Makerfield.

Her daughters Kailyn Vine and Ashton-Lea Gallacher were just 11 and four-years-old respectively at the time Chubbs went missing from Pottery Lane.

Dorset Echo: Chubbs pictured before going missing in 2012Chubbs pictured before going missing in 2012

The Echo told how the sisters would spend days searching for Chubbs by walking around their estate calling his name.

Now aged 21 and 14, they're chuffed to see the return of the miraculous moggy.

Donna said: "Since he's been back Chubbs has been following me around like a little puppy.

"He hasn't changed, he's a real character and he's already gaining weight and looking more like himself. He's been really happy to just sit on my bed chilling.

"When Chubbs went missing I couldn't sleep and I couldn't stop crying. I've been searching for him for 10 years.

"He's now 15 years old and can see out his life back at home where he belongs.

"I just feel so overwhelmed to have him back."