A FARMER has spoken of his dismay after two prized working dogs were stolen.

Scamp, a 12-year-old brown-and-white Jack Russell terrier, and Ben, a two-year-old black-and-white working border collie, were taken as owner John Morris was on a break from lambing. Scamp was in a kennel and Ben was chained at Common Piggeries, off Peachfield Road, Malvern.

Mr Morris said there was a brisk trade in stolen dogs and a fully-trained working sheepdog could go for between £1,000 and £2,000.

"Scamp is an old dog, so I can't understand why anyone would want to take him," he said. "Ben, though, is three-quarters trained as a sheep dog and is obviously a lot more valuable, at around £600 to £700."

Mr Morris still has another working dog, but the loss of Ben is a blow to him, especially at such a busy time of year.

The theft took place on Sunday, between 3pm and 7pm. A police spokesman said someone in a nearby house or walking on the common may have seen something suspicious.

Anyone who is offered a dog matching either description, or with information, can call 08457 444888 or 0800 555111 quoting 652S/110307.