A DOG that turned detective has recovered a 92-year-old's stolen jewellery after he took the plunge and sniffed out her precious possessions.

Keen-eyed Sam was enjoying his evening walk along the River Ebble at Odstock last Friday when he spied a handbag in the reeds.

Within seconds, the Labrador was in the water trying to fetch the mystery object.

"He couldn't get it at first because it was very well hidden," said owner Pauline Hill.

"But Sam is very determined - he jumped back in, scrambled towards the bag and finally managed to reach it."

Sam carefully took the bag to Pauline's mother, Christine Bradbury, who was waiting on the bank.

"She couldn't believe it when she opened the bag and found it was full of jewellery and personal items," said Mrs Hill.

The family contacted the police and discovered the bag had been stolen during a burglary the previous evening at Greenacres, in Downton.

The thieves had disconnected their victim's emergency alarm before walking in through her front door and grabbing her bag.

"Unfortunately, the money was missing but they must have dumped the bag in the river straight away with all the valuables inside," said Mrs Hill.

"We are so pleased the lady was able to get her things back and the story has a much happier ending, thanks to Sam."

The elderly victim's daughter thanked the heroic hound for his dogged determination.

"I am extremely grateful to Sam and his owners for making sure my mother got her bag back," she said.

"There were lots of things of great sentimental value in there that could never be replaced.

"My mother has been left badly shaken and upset and still can't believe what happened, but at least she hasn't lost all of her most precious things."

Proud Sam is now basking in his new-found glory.

"He has always been very observant but when he was a puppy he was written off as untrainable," said Mrs Hill.

"He had five owners in 11 months and I got him from kennels because no one else wanted him.

"That was eight years ago and, since then, I have never had a problem with him - he has been a wonderful dog and I'm very proud that I've got such a hero."