A HUGE operation was launched to save a dog which tumbled down a cliff - as the owner thanked rescuers for their efforts, saying seeing his pet disappear over the edge was the 'scariest thing he has ever seen'.

A major response saw coastguards, firefighting teams and a lifeboat crew scrambled to reports of a person and a dog stuck on a cliff below Thorncombe Beacon near Eype.

The dog, Laney, had gone over the cliff and her owner, holidaymaker Andrew Hetherington, had walked down to the bottom and then scrambled up from the beach to try and rescue her - but then got stuck in mud himself.

Mr Hetherington managed to free himself but retrieving Laney was not as straight-forward - it took rescuers a few more hours in Tuesday's blistering heat.

The incident has prompted rescuers to issue a warning to dog owners.

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Picture: Mark Hannaford

Firecrews from Bridport, along with West Bay, Lyme Regis and Beer coastguard rescue teams, plus technical rescue teams from Weymouth, Poole and Colyton fire stations were all mobilised to help in the incident.

Lyme Regis lifeboat was also launched to provide help with communication, conduct a shoreline search, and help move equipment and personnel by sea to the location.

Once it was established the owner was safe, rescuers focused on trying to get to the dog. Both fire service and coastguard technical rescue teams set up at two locations at the top of the cliff and sent people down into the undergrowth on ropes. The teams had to reposition themselves on the cliff a second time before the dog was eventually found safe.

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Picture: Mark Hannaford

A spokesman for Bridport Fire Station said: "Firefighters also made their way along the beach to the undercliff to carry out a search.

"Both rope teams had to descend and ascend multiple times in different locations to try and find the dog. Eventually the dog was located and rescued by fire crews."

Laney was found uninjured and was reunited with her owner. It is understood she had landed on a ledge more than 100ft down.

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Picture: Mark Hannaford

Paying tribute on social media, Mr Hetherington said: "A massive thank you to all those that attended and the coastguard control who responded to my original call.

"Seeing Laney go over the cliff was the scariest thing I have ever seen. To all you guys who either went over or helped those going over especially those volunteers THANK YOU!"

The fire service spokesman added: "This incident took over four hours and multiple resources. Accidents happen and thankfully this finished with a happy ending, but a few safety measures when walking dogs could stop scenarios like this from happening.

"Keep dogs on leads around farm animals and keep dogs on leads when walking along coast paths. If your dog does go over the cliff do not put yourself in danger by attempting your own rescue. Dial 999 and ask for the emergency services."

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Picture: Bridport Fire Station