Border Collie survives 80ft fall

A dog has survived falling 80ft off a cliff in Dorset.

The Border Collie, called Ben, fell on to the beach at Burton Bradstock after it chased a ball as it bounced over the cliff edge on Thursday afternoon.

West Bay Coastguard Rescue Team and two vets carried the dog on a stretcher before taking it to be treated for a broken leg and chest injuries.

A Portland Coastguard spokesman said: "The dog is extremely lucky to get away with the injuries that he did."

'Sheer drop'

The dog was chasing the ball while being taken for a walk.

The coastguard spokesman said: "He was being walked by a friend and was running away from her to catch a ball and regrettably the ball bounced in the direction of the cliff edge.

"The dog went for it and fell 80ft down a sheer drop and landed on the beach.

"The dog was still alert when the rescue team left."