A LOST portrait of a landlady's dog has been returned just in time for an art exhibition.

The picture of Jodie the lurcher went missing during a visit from a stag party to The Brewers Arms in Martinstown.

Landlord John Dunford had a telephone call soon after the portrait went missing to explain that the picture had been picked up during a wild evening.

He said: "It is a lovely portrait and we were very upset when we realised what had happened, but it was nice that someone had taken the trouble to get in touch and put things right.

"The guy explained that the picture of Jodie had suffered somewhat on its trip from the pub.

He said the picture would be returned once the glass had been replaced."

The photograph of landlady Jackie Smith's dog was one of a group of pictures by photographer Keith Lee.

The photographs were hung in the pub's converted skittle alley in preparation for Dorset Art Weeks.

Mr Lee said the stag party had been attempting to return some items collected during their stag celebrations. He was relieved that the picture was returned in time to be put back in place for his exhibition.

He said: "I had captured the picture of Jodie as a present for John and Jackie, who have been very supportive in staging my exhibition at the dog-friendly venue. They were very upset that it had gone missing."

Dorset Art Weeks started on May 24 and continues until June.

More than 800 Dorset artists are inviting visitors to their studios and shared exhibitions.

Weymouth Arts Network is exhibiting work in Brewers Quay, Hope Square and there is a two-part exhibition at Dorchester Arts Centre and Dorset County Hospital.