Gypsy the dog becomes rail rover

Gypsy Rose befriended train passengers on her adventure

An unwanted dog decided to let the train take the strain by embarking on a 300-mile trip to Scotland, according to animal welfare workers.

After running away from her home in Bangor, North Wales, lurcher Gypsy Rose caught a train to Crewe, another to Edinburgh and a third to Kirkcaldy.

The dog's owners, who had reported her missing, were eventually traced.

However, as she was being returned, they decided they no longer wanted her, so Gypsy needs a new home.

The five-year-old dog has been taken into kennels in Preston. She had been micro-chipped, but the details proved to be out of date, animal carers said.

The potential for danger was very high but thankfully she came to no harm Doreen Graham Scottish SPCA

Doreen Graham, spokeswoman for the Scottish SPCA, said: "Lurchers are very intelligent dogs and she obviously wasn't frightened of trains.

"It would appear that she bonded with various people and joined them as a fellow passenger. Given that dogs have an incredible sense of smell, it could be that she selected dog owners.

"The potential for danger was very high but thankfully she came to no harm.

"The best ending for this dog would be for her to get a new home with people who genuinely want her."

She added "I'm sure she's feeling a wee bit confused right now."

The Scottish SPCA has urged owners to micro-chip their dogs and ensure the details are kept up to date.