The creature’s owners Margaret and Rick Rickaby from Kirkcowan near Dumfries in south west Scotland were left distraught after their pet escaped through the door of their holiday home in the village’s high street.

Now they have offered up a £50 reward for Polly, who disappeared on the first day of their holiday – Sunday 31 May – after their friend accidentally left the kitchen door open and they discovered she had gone.

They spent the rest of their holiday putting up posters and searching for her before having to return home without Polly.

Margaret said: “I felt sick when I realised she was missing.

“I was up and down the streets looking for her.

“Our holiday was ruined. She is very friendly but she is a very nervous animal.

“We took her in after she was rescued after being dumped on an old railway line.

“She might come to someone if they shout her name. I would be over the moon if we got her back. She’s just a little cutie.”

When Polly went missing she did not have her collar on.

She is house-trained and has a banded face and a little white mark on her chest.

Anyone who thinks they might have seen Polly or has found a polecat matching her description is asked to call Margaret or Rick on (01671) 830430.