A FAMILY was left distraught after thieves stole their beloved horse, Buttons.

They are appealing for help to find the nine-year-old gelding, which was taken from a field in Linnyshaw, Worsley. Owner Michelle Dean, from Belle Vue, said her children - Aisha, eight, and Amina, five - are upset.

Mrs Dean, 28, said: "Buttons was part of the family and I have to keep telling the children that he will come back one day. I'm six months pregnant and this is stress I do not need."

Buttons disappeared after thieves cut the wire around his field last Monday night.

Contact police on 0161 872 5050 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.