A DOG owner has spoken of her joy as she was reunited with her beloved  puppy who vanished when her car came off a bridge and overturned.

Jack Russell Peanut disappeared after 21-year-old Charlotte Rotton’s blue Fiat Punto flipped near the B4696 Lydiard Plain yesterday morning as she drove from her home in Braydon to Marlborough.

Four-month-old Peanut was in the boot of the car and was either thrown from the car or crawled out after it crashed.

After what Charlotte called ‘the most terrifying, stressful and tear-filled 24 hours’ Peanut was found hiding in a hedge, just down from the crash site.

Charlotte and her family had stayed at the crash site with food and a warm bed in hopes of coaxing the frightened pooch out.

Their search efforts were rewarded when the resilient pup dashed out of a hedge and into Charlotte’s arms.

She said: “I was calling his name and holding his squeaky toy when all of a sudden I heard this distinctive squeaking. I looked and Peanut came out of a hedge and was running towards me.

“I just fell to my knees, grabbed him and completely broke down. I couldn’t believe it. The feeling was indescribable. I hugged him and put him inside my coat. He was so happy to see me.

"Then my mum came over and she was crying.I had dreamed about this moment and it was finally happening.

“He wouldn’t stop wagging his tail, when he’s really happy he starts nibbling your ear and he wouldn’t stop doing that. I’m so relieved.”

Peanut had stayed close to the crash site and was found only 300 yards from the car. His miraculous recovery came after 24 hours on the loose, with Charlotte gravely concerned as to her beloved pet’s fate.

Dog-lovers from across the town rallied round Charlotte in the wake of Peanut’s disappearance, using the hashtag #bringPeanuthome.

Charlotte said: “I started to lose hope but all the comments from people online who offered to search for him really boosted my spirits. A team was due to come out at 10am to search with us and I am really grateful to them.

“My dad who works away was crying, so was my partner. Peanut is part of the family and we’re all so delighted that’s he’s home.”

The brave pooch was none the worse for wear after his 24 hours in the wilderness, with a vet giving him a clean bill of health and the all-clear to enjoy a day of relaxation with his family.

Peanut is now being spoiled with lots of treats and new toys while he recovers from his ordeal.