Tiny chihuahua crossbreed Honey was startled by refuse collectors on Tuesday - and has not been seen since after escaping from her lead.

The two-year-old, who is crossed with a Jack Russell, had a litter of puppies only four weeks ago and may need medical attention.

But she was last seen near the garage on Preston New Road, near the start of the M55 at Peel corner, on Tuesday morning.

And her distraught owner, Pat Green, is fearing the worst.

Honey, a timid dog, is a beige colour and looks like a pure-bred chihuahua. Mrs Green had gone on holiday and had left Honey with a dog-sitter while she was away.

But Honey ran away the morning the Greens arrived back in the UK after a noisy bin wagon startled her. She somehow slipped her harness and raced off up the street.

She was staying at a house on Langdale Road, Blackpool, while her owners were away and she was also spotted near Tesco.

She is familiar with the walk aroud Whyndyke Farm, where the car boot sales are held, and may have been heading for there.

But despite phone calls to every animal rescue centre and vets' surgeries, the police, dog wardens and a leafletting and poster campaign, there was only one sighting soon after Honey's disappearance on Tuesday, when she was described as "dodging traffic" near the aforementioned petrol station.

Mrs Green says the family is "devastated" and her other dogs are pining.

Honey is very timid and should be approached only with caution or she will run away again. She is microchipped.

But it is feared she may have been picked up by someone going on the motorway who thought she was a pure-bred chihuahua and may be worth money.

Anyone with any sightings should contact (01253) 694363 or 07815 560 927.