Pupils rescue trapped man and dog

Labrador Molly was rescued after she fell off the cliff and into water below

A man trapped at the foot of a cliff after he climbed down to rescue his dog was winched to safety by a group of schoolboys on an abseiling trip.

Stephen Kelly, 32, from Swindon, Wiltshire climbed 40ft (12m) down the cliff at Brean Down, Somerset, after his Labrador Molly fell over the edge.

His girlfriend ran for help and came across boys from Wyvern School, who used ropes to winch the pair to safety.

The school's head said he was proud of the teacher and students involved.

Mr Kelly said he was able to pull Molly out of the water, but became stuck on a ledge himself.

"My initial thought was, get down there and get her out of the water," he said.

"I knew I was putting myself in danger, but at the end of the day, I didn't want to lose my dog."

His girlfriend, Charlotte LeCouteur said she went for help and came across the school party and their teacher.

"Luckily, they were going abseiling for the day, so they had ropes in their rucksacks so they were able to come to our rescue," she said.

"They made pulleys from the ropes and were able to winch Molly and Steve up to dry land."

Headteacher Andy Russell said: "I am very proud of the teacher and students for dealing with the incident in such a calm and professional manner and I am really pleased that this is a story with a happy ending."