A Dartmouth dog that vanished from the back of his owner’s truck has been found safe and well near the M5.

Simon Mitchelmore issued a desperate plea to help find three-year-old Eley after he went missing from his crate as they were driving to Exmoor.

Friend Sue Nicholls said the pet pooch was spotted having a poo on the side of the road near junction 27.

Simon said he was “over the moon” and thanked everyone who shared the appeal.

Sue told Devon Live: “This afternoon Simon and I picked him up outside the veterinary surgery. The couple said they found him at junction 27.

“The box he was in must have come open as the truck went around the corner.

“Eley stopped at the side of the road to have a poo and it’s lucky he did because the couple saw him and stopped the traffic.

“They put a lead on him, picked him up and put him in their car.

“He has a few little scratches on him and is a bit shaky, but that’s to be expected after what he has been through.

Simon told Devon Live: “We are over the moon. Where he was found was close to where something bad could have happened.

“It’s fantastic news. Everything was going through my mind at the time. To get him back safe and sound is my dream come true.

“He looks okay to me other than minor cuts and bruises. It could have been a lot different.

“I can’t thank everyone enough for their help, and without the couple I would not have my dog. There are definitely some good people in the world.”