A man has promised a £10,000 reward for anyone that reunites his mum with her beloved dog, who was stolen in Congleton at the weekend.

Ellie, the four-year-old Akita Rottweiler Cross, was reportedly taken between Saturday night and early Sunday morning at a house close to the Lower Heath Chip Shop, Congleton.

Aaron Chadwick, (25), who travels to his mum's house twice a day from Leek to check on Ellie whilst his mum is in hospital, told Nub News that the property's back door and kitchen were broken into and Ellie was then taken.

The female dog who is brown/orange colour was fed, walked and given water on Saturday by Mr Chadwick, but when he returned to see her the following morning, she wasn't anywhere to be seen.

Mr Chadwick stated Ellie must have been taken on her lead with her collar as they were left on the side in the house and they are also missing.

Mr Chadwick said: "This dog means the world to my mum and it has been stolen.

"I can promise any man or woman that returns this dog will be gifted with £10,000.

"I'm almost certain that the people of Congleton will know what's happened as the dog was stolen whilst my mum was in hospital and no random person would just know that."

When asked why the £10,000 reward, Mr Chadwick responded: "My mum has been unwell for some years and she doesn't have many friends or family left. So, to be honest she's quite reclusive and spends 24 hours a day with the dog.

"It's every penny we have got but she wants her back."

A Cheshire Police spokesperson said: "Officers had received a report that an Akita Rottweiler Cross had been taken from a property on Lower Heath sometime overnight on Saturday 14 March and Sunday 15 March.

"Enquiries are ongoing to locate the dog."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting IML 661885.