North Dorset MP Simon Hoare has said an emotional goodbye to his beloved dog Jerry after finding him dead of a suspected heart attack.

Mr Hoare thanked members of the public for their help and support in trying to find Jerry.

Jerry originally went missing on Friday, January 7, in Lydlynch, Dorset, near to where the family lives.

Mr Hoare had previously described Jerry as “soft as butter" and "a much-loved member of the family".

The search ended this morning after Mr Hoare said he had found Jerry by a nearby pond.

He wrote: "My family & I have been touched by the help & kindness of so many people as we’ve looked for our dog Jerry.

"That search ended this morning as I found him. It looks like he’d had a heart attack (there’s not a mark on him) in a nearby pond.

"He was always loved & be forever missed."