THE story of Bilbo, the little dog from Dobwalls who survived 20 days trapped down a rabbit hole, was first reported in the Cornish Times before being picked up in nearly all the national newspapers.

Reading his story in a newspaper at her care home in Oxfordshire was 95-year-old Mollie Richards. She was so touched by Bilbo's story that she set about painting a water colour portrait of him by copying his picture from the paper.

Then, not having an address for the Harwood family who own him, and relying on some excellent detective work from Royal Mail and the local knowledge of postmen, she posted off the picture with a description of Bilbo on the front of the envelope.

Mollie had written: 'Mrs Harwood and husband Mr Andy Harwood, Dobwalls, Cornwall. I have not got an address but do hope you know where they live. Their little dog Bilbo was 20 days in a rabbit hole. Thank you.'

Amazed

Nicky, herself a well-known animal portrait painter, said the family were amazed Royal Mail had tracked them down, and delighted with the painting.

'It was such a lovely thing to do,' she said. 'We will be contacting Mollie to thank her from us and Bilbo, and will be sending her a copy of The Cornish Times.'

Mrs Harwood said that apart from his breathing not being a 100 per cent yet, Bilbo is recovering well with lots of love and affection. 'He is eating like a horse and is like his old self again and thankfully there seem to be no psychological effects,' she said.