Four fire crews and three coastguard teams, as well as the lifeboat, spent four hours rescuing a dog trapped on the cliff at Thorncombe Beacon.

Emergency services - including West Bay Coastguard, Lyme Regis Coastguard, Beer Coastguard Rescue Team and Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat, as well as fire crews and teams from Bridport, Colyton, Weymouth and Poole - were called just after 1pm yesterday (Tuesday), to help two people, one of which was stuck in mud.

On scene, the person had freed themselves and both were making their way down to Eype.

A search of the cliff edge was carried out and the Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat searched from the water.

A spokesman for Bridport Fire Station said: "With no sign of the dog, it was decided to send rope technicians over the cliff to search for the animal.

"Both coastguard and fire services set up rope rescue systems and abseiled down the cliff and into the undergrowth to try and find the dog. Fire fighters also made their way along the beach to the undercliff to carry out a search.

"Both rope teams had to descend and ascend multiple times in different locations to try and find the dog.

"Eventually the dog was located and rescued by fire crews.

"This incident to over four fours and multiple resources. Accidents happen and thankfully this finished with a happy ending, but a few safety measures when walking dogs could stop scenarios like this from happening: Keep dogs on leads around farm animal, keep dogs on leads when walking along coast paths.

"If your dog does go over the cliff, do not put yourself in danger by attempting your own rescue. Dial 999 and ask for the emergency services."