A BLIND man from Oxford has urged the public to help him find his missing dog, Toffee.

UPDATE: Missing trainee guide dog Toffee has found his way home

Ian Francis, 46, of Gibbs Crescent, said he has been unable to leave his home since Toffee, a golden labrador, ran away from Oxford Railway Station last night.

Mr Francis said: "We needed some milk so we went to M&S in the train station. He was acting as normal.

"All of a sudden, I don't know if something spooked him but he slipped his collar and ran.

"He's quite a nervous dog so he stays right by me. When he's working he's fine and growing in confidence, but he has gone off on his own, and it's terrible."

Mr Francis lives alone and runs a voluntary group, VIP Lounge, to help people with sight problems access local products and services.

He said he inherited Toffee, now four, from a rescue centre about four weeks ago. After travelling all the way to Caernarfon in Wales, had  intended to pick up a different dog but very quickly bonded with Toffee instead.

He said: "When I got there, Toffee took to me straight away. I'm a great believer in letting the dog choose you."

Toffee is a golden to light brown colour and is slightly overweight. He has been microchipped and castrated, and Mr Francis added that he has no idea why the dog would run away. The pair go everywhere together.

Anyone with information should call Ian Francis on 07463 785987.