A DESPERATE search is under way to find missing dog Buddy after he disappeared on New Year's Eve.

The five-year-old Bichon Frise went missing from his home in Wildfell Close, Christchurch, on Saturday, December 31.

Owner Michelle Hawkins and her two daughters have been left heartbroken by his disappearance.

Michelle has taken to social media appealing for anyone who has spotted her beloved pooch to get in touch. She has also put up missing dog posters around the town.

According to Michelle, 47, Buddy managed to escape from the house after being spooked by fireworks on New Year's Eve.

"When I got back home after midnight he was gone," she added.

"He must have been scarred by the fireworks and managed to get out somehow.

"It's horrible because we have no idea where he could be now."

Since the appeal was published on Facebook a friend has got in touch to say she spotted Buddy near Bargates on New Year's Eve just before midnight but there have been no sightings since then.

"We are just at a loss and don't know what to do. We just want him home," added Michelle.