A distraught couple chartered a helicopter in a desperate bid to find the beloved pet they fear has been stolen after she vanished while out walking earlier this month.

Rae Barnett and Neil Coleman, who live in Old Amersham, have literally been searching high and low after chartering a helicopter from Wycombe Air Park to find missing Whippet cross, Ruby, four.

The family pet went missing while out on a walk in a field close to their home on the evening of May 5.

After a week of leaflet dropping, putting up posters, social media appeals, overnight and dawn vigils and daytime searches on foot, by drone and with tracker dogs, there had been no confirmed sightings of Ruby or any clues to her whereabouts.

Despite clear skies on the day of the helicopter search around the area Ruby was last seen, there is still no trace of her.

Rae and Neil now fear their beloved pooch may have been stolen and insisted they “won’t give up” looking for her.

They said: “We’re exhausted and sick with worry wondering where our sweet girl is and whether she is ok. We’re just so grateful for the help we have received from so many quarters providing much needed support during this nightmare.

“She’s been a much-loved family member since she was just eight weeks old and belongs back in the only home she has ever known.

“Ruby is neutered and microchipped, and of little value to anyone else but to us she is everything.

“We will leave no stone unturned in the search for Ruby but we now believe she may have been stolen, so could in fact be anywhere.

“Thames Valley Police have been notified and we are mounting a wider social media campaign in the hope of someone coming forward with information.”

The devastated couple are offering a reward for information leading to Ruby’s return. If you can help with the search or have any information, call 07917 842190, 07912 417169, or DogLost in confidence on 0844 800 3220.