FIREFIGHTER Phil Smy took a step back in time when he answered Difa the golden retriever's call for aid.

The clumsy three-year-old dog turned up at Burnley fire station with his owner Alison Taylor with the snap hook from his lead caught in his claw.

But luckily for Difa the bell at the fire station was answered by Firefighter Phil -- who was a chiropodist before joining the fire and rescue service.

With the help of colleagues, Phil used a small bolt cropper to cut through the hook which had cut into the skin.

Owner Alison, of Aspen Drive, Burnley, said: "I was just taking him for a walk using a new muzzle lead which he does not like. He was pawing it when the hook somehow got stuck in his paw.

"I tried to get it out but it was impossible so I took him down the road to the fire station. They were brilliant."

Firefighter Phil said: "I was used to dealing with feet when I was a chiropodist but not with claws.

"It took about ten minutes to remove the hook. The dog became increasingly unhappy and was in a little pain. But we used small bolt croppers to cut through the clip."

Alison said: "It was all a bit of a panic but Difa is perfectly happy now. I have binned the muzzle."