Relieved Kirsty Williams gave her beloved dog Spot a cuddle after he was rescued from a river by firefighters.

Spot, who is terrified of water, fell into the river during his afternoon walk.

Owner Garry Williams said he had been with his wife, Jayne, and daughter, Kirsty, seven, walking Spot by the Dock River in Parkeston when the drama happened.

"He does what dogs do and sniffs at everything. I think he must have slipped whilst sniffing. I was calling him for about ten minutes before I noticed he was in the river," said Mr WIlliams.

Spot, a nine-year-old mongrel, was stood in a foot and a half of water at the side of the river.

Mr Williams said: "The current was quite quick. I don't think I have ever seen it like that. Spot was shaking. He's scared stiff of water."

After several attempts to rescue the dog himself Mr WIlliams called for the fire brigade.

"I didn't want to waste their time and I suppose it wasn't the usual emergency but there was nothing I could do."

A fire crew from Dovercourt station was on the scene within five minutes. Sub-officer Richard Nunn said one fireman was lowered into the river to rescue Spot.

Mr Williams said: "The dog went to the fireman. He didn't need much encouragement.

"I think the fireman was going to give him a fireman's lift, but the dog was having none of that. We are so grateful to the fire brigade. I think Spot will be more careful from now on."

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