The ashes of Joshua the golden Labrador are back safely with his owner after burglars stole them in a break-in bungle.

The thieves grabbed what looked like a jewellery box from a wardrobe during the burglary on February 20.

But the pine box contained only Joshua's remains, treasured by his owner since his death in 2001.

Rhonda Reilly could not bare to bury the ashes at her Shoreham home in case the family moved house. She was in tears when she discovered the remains of her beloved pet of 14 years had been stolen.

A woman in Whitehawk, Brighton, discovered the box dumped in her garden.

She remembered reading our story last Saturday about the stolen ashes.

She contacted a neighbourhood warden, who handed the ashes to Whitehawk community beat officer WPC Donna Bagguley who had also read the story.

WPC Bagguley said: "The article brought a lump to my throat. I have had dogs myself and I know how distressing it is when you lose them."

WPC Bagguley had the pleasure of delivering Joshua back to Mrs Reilly, 51, who had received sympathy cards from friends and relations.

Mrs Reilly was over the moon: "I never thought I would see Joshua again. I just can't believe it.

"This sort of thing restores your faith in human nature.

"I want to thank the woman who found him, the police and The Argus. You've all been wonderful."

Joshua will not be returning to his old home in the wardrobe. He is now taking pride of place on a table in the corner of Mrs Reilly's lounge, next to photographs of him as a puppy and as a full-grown 6st adult.

Mrs Reilly said Joshua was a loving member of the family.

"He was such a softie. He would have shown the burglars round the house if he'd been alive."

Mrs Reilly telephoned her husband and two grown-up children with the news.

She said: "Everyone was thrilled."

Meanwhile, the hunt for the burglar continues.

WPC Bagguley said DNA found at the scene of the break-in had been sent away for matching at the national data bank in Birmingham.

She said: "The investigation is continuing and anyone with information should contact Brighton and Hove police on 0845 6070999."