A family on holiday in the area are appealing for local residents and fellow visitors to help trace their much-loved pet dog. On Friday at 12 noon, the Riley family's beagle dog, called 'Merlin', was stung by a wasp on Wiseman's Bridge Beach. As a result, he took off and sadly has not been seen since. 'Merlin' was wearing his red travel harness, collar and ID tag, with his retractable lead still attached. "Two people said they saw him running very fast about two miles away at Stepaside, but since then there have been no sightings at all. It seems as if he has vanished," owner, Sarah Riley told the Observer. "I am worried that he could be stuck in woodland or may have run further afield. "I have canvassed everywhere around and I have contacted local vets, dog wardens, police etc., but no-one has handed him in." Sarah, of Tamworth, Staffordshire, has also handed out over 200 flyers in shops and to the public locally appealing for sightings. "It just seems so strange that no-one has even seen him since then, let alone picked him up," Sarah continued. "I am very afraid that someone has taken him home without reporting it." 'Merlin' had only lived with the Riley family for four weeks before his disappearance after being rescued from an animal charity. "I had a beagle, 'Truffle', who died at the beginning of June at the age of 14," explained Sarah. "I missed her so badly and the house was so empty that I contacted the Beagle Welfare. "I asked about beagles that needed to be re-homed and they told me about 'Merlin' who had come from Scotland. "He was a show dog who now dislikes being shown and drools to show his distress. His owners wanted a new home for him as they show other dogs and 'Merlin' was having to go with them all of the time and they felt this was unfair. "My heart melted when I saw him and he has been with us since. He has come on in leaps and bounds and seems to be over his nervousness with us at least and enjoying life to the full." Last week, Sarah's nephew was staying with her, so she persuaded her friend Jenny and her two children to go away for a few days with her to a relative's caravan in Pleasant Valley. "We had a great time and 'Merlin' loved being fussed over by the children and enjoyed being on the beach with us," said Sarah. "At the time of his escape I had sent Jenny and the children to the beach while I tidied the caravan and loaded the car. "This disaster occurred when she was rounding the children up to come back and get changed for home. Literally, half-an-hour later and we would have been on the way home. "I have stayed on this week to try to locate 'Merlin'. I have tried all I can think of and then I realised that your readers may be able to help. "It would be good to know that he is safe. He could have been picked up by a truck driver or someone on their way back from holiday and be anywhere in the country by now. "I'm desperate to see him again. He is a beautiful dog with a very gentle nature. Our whole family are devastated at his disappearance." The family are offering a reward for his safe return and Sarah can be contacted on 07958143725. Her husband Martin can be contacted on 07817 964807. Alternatively, they can be contacted on 01827 64809.