A blind woman is appealing for help after mean thieves stole her guide dog's run.

The metal pen, measuring 6ft by 9ft and drilled into the concrete yard outside the front of Paula Ralph's home, was removed during the night.

Guide dog Walter, a two-year-old black retriever, is trained to use the pen as a toilet rather than when out guiding Paula.

Miss Ralph, 48, discovered the theft, at her home in Carton Court, West Bowling, Bradford, on Wednesday morning.

She said: "It was there when I got home from work but in the morning it was gone. I couldn't believe it. What benefit anybody could get by stealing it? It's just a square piece of metal with a gate in it."

Paula suffers from a rare eye disease, Cogan's Syndrome, and has been registered blind for 24 years. She has had Walter for two months after her former guide dog retired.

She said: "I have no idea how the thieves have taken the pen. It was screwed into the ground and quite heavy. It must have taken at least two people to remove it. It was windy and rainy during the night and I didn't hear anything.

"I am really annoyed. I don't understand the logic of stealing something like this. It is going to cause me problems because I wont be able to go into town with him if he is not able to use the pen.

"I am waiting to hear from the Guide Dogs Association whether they will be able to replace it. I appeal to anyone who knows where the pen is to come forward."

Chris Dyson, of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, said they were hoping they would be able to provide a replacement pen at their own cost.

He said: "We are looking into it as a priority. It is obviously essential the dog's owner has the facilities to keep her dog in comfortable and safe conditions."

He added: "As a charity, we rely on public donations. We are willing to pay for this but it is very frustrating that it is going to cost the charity money because somebody has stolen this item."

Anyone who can help should contact the Association at its Leeds office on (0113) 275 6326.