A PUPPY who became trapped under a bridge after taking a dip in a pond was safely returned to her owners after being rescued by firefighters.

Wish, an adorably-named, four-month-old Border Collie, was playing with her beloved pet parents in Turner Road, Colchester, on Thursday.

After jumping into a nearby pond, however, the young pooch quickly found herself stranded under a bridge on the opposite side of the water.

Fire crews from Colchester were subsequently called to the scene at about 11.40am and, after using a rescue pole, managed to retrieve Wish within about 20 minutes.

Jon Foot crew manager at Colchester Fire Station said: “We’d like to praise Wish’s owners for dialling 999 instead of attempting to rescue Wish themselves.

“We’re often called to rescue people who have ventured into water to rescue their pets and then become trapped themselves.

“We highly recommend you do not attempt to rescue a pet from water as you risk putting yourself, and anyone who passes by who might try to rescue you, in danger.

“Most of the time, pets find their way back to shore and if they are struggling to get back, it’s best to call 999 where we can help to rescue them.”