Dog safety plea to cliff walkers

Pet-owners are being urged to keep dogs on leads when walking near cliff edges after three rescues in 24 hours.

Earlier in the week, the coastguard in Dorset had to rescue a Border Collie which had chased a ball as it bounced over the cliff at Burton Bradstock.

Two other dog rescues later took place near Swanage and at Seatown.

"These three incidents have required a large number of volunteers to assist with the rescue," said Ros Evans, Portland Coastguard watch manager.

"We must urge the public most strongly to put their dogs on leads when by the cliff edge, so as to avoid any incident occurring."

But he added that the coastguard was always happy to help out a stranded animal when necessary "as we would not want its owner to put themselves at risk, and then have to rescue not only the dog but the owner too".