Holby City actress Rosie Marcel has thanked dog lovers in St Albans who rallied to help find a friend’s pet which went missing after being hit by a car at the weekend.

Herts Advertiser: Holby City's Rosie Marcel hopes Tilly can be foundHolby City's Rosie Marcel hopes Tilly can be found (Image: Archant)

Rosie, who lives in St Albans, said Tilly, a brown and white three year old crossbreed missing since Saturday was found injured, but safe, this morning (Wednesday).

Tilly was taken for a walk through Heartwood Forest in Sandridge at around midday when she suddenly darted away.

Rosie explained: “Tilly saw some horses, and ran out of Heartwood Forest on to Sandridge Road. She got hit by a passing car and kept on running.”

Tilly was found limping early this morning by a woman walking her dog in Jersey Farm - miles from the woodland, near Tesco at the local shopping centre.

The much-loved pet was today undergoing surgery after suffering a cut to her leg, but is otherwise well.

The actress, who owns two basset hounds, said: “It’s amazing news. It’s your worst nightmare, that your dog could go missing. I would like to say a massive thankyou to everyone who helped.”

Tilly’s owners have also thanked residents including farmers in the area for helping to search for her, and particularly two local women who found and looked after the dog this morning.

Further information on the successful search for Tilly will be available in tomorrow’s Herts Advertiser.