A pensioner was devastated when he returned from a shopping trip to find his car missing with his beloved dog inside.

Tony Warwick immediately called the police to report his vehicle stolen and prayed for Shocker the Yorkshire terrier's safe return.

But Mr Warwick's Skoda hadn't been touched - he had just forgotten where he parked it and his dog was stuck inside for almost three days.

It was only when a traffic warden went to put a second ticket on the car yesterday and noticed the petrified pooch still inside that he contacted the police who broke in and rescued him.

Mr Warwick was so desperate to see 11-year-old Shocker he ran a mile from his home in New Church Road, Hove, to be reunited.

Mr Warwick, 66, said: "I had been praying for him and was bawling my eyes out yesterday before he was found.

"It had been pouring with rain when I parked the car to go shopping on Saturday. I was looking for it for ages and had given up hope of ever seeing Shocker again. I was over the moon when I heard he and the car had been found."

Shocker, so named because he was a surprise present for Mr Warwick's wife, Marie, was being spoilt last night.

Mr Warwick has vowed never to leave his pet in the car again.

Klaire Kennett of the RSPCA said Shocker had a very lucky escape. If the dog had been left in the car just a couple of days longer it could have died of starvation or dehydration.

Miss Kennett said: "Our advice is don't leave dogs in the car for any longer than a very short period of time. Dogs can die incredibly quickly, especially if it is a hot day."