COASTGUARDS issued another warning after their third dog rescue in five weeks.

A black labrador fell over cliffs near Hive Beach in Burton Bradstock this afternoon, and 11 West Bay and Lyme Regis coastguards, two lifeguards, two rescue vehicles and an off road buggy were involved in its rescue.

West Bay coastguard said they believed the dog had fallen over a lower part of the cliff onto the beach.

The Labrador appeared to have injuries but ran off, leading to a mile-long chase through fields before coastguards cornered the animal and it was taken to a vet for a check up.

A spokesman for West Bay coastguard said: "The serious side to this story is that this is the third time in five weeks that the team has responded to a dog falling over one of our cliffs.

"Luckily no dogs have a yet lost their lives this year, but we fear it is only a matter of time.

"Always keep your dog on a lead whilst walking on the cliffs and if the worst happens, never, ever attempt a self rescue."