RESCUE experts travelled miles to dig out a terrier trapped for days in a maze of drainage pipes at Pennington Country Park (writes Brian GOMM).

Tina, a three and a half years old Patterdale, went missing last Thursday.

The inquisitive bitch disappeared down a tiny six inch pipe while being exercised by owner Paul Cunliffe on the Moss Industrial estate side of The Flash.

Incredibly she survived nearly four days lost in the labyrinth of drains.

On Sunday afternoon she was extracted practically unscathed, thanks to the efforts of a dedicated band of workers from the Fell and Moorland Working Terrier Club.

Paul, of Harrow Crescent, Leigh (pictured) had spent two days unsuccessfully trying to find Tina.

Park rangers, firemen and the RSPCA were called in to no avail, but the breakthrough came on Saturday. Falconer and country sports enthusiast, Stephen Lea, media man with the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, was at the park preparing for a falconry display at the Pennington Flash open day.

Learning of Tina's plight he called in fellow members of the F & MWTC who raced miles to the rescue.

Rescue team leader Dave McKay from Winsford, whose team included Bury terrier enthusiasts Brian and Steve Fisher, told The Journal: "Once she had gone in she couldn't turn around and go back. It was too dangerous to put another terrier in to find her so we used drain rods and locator collars.

"Being used to this sort of thing we were able to work out the layout of the drains and after three or four hours dug her out. She never made a sound.

"The lad was very relieved to get her out and we were glad to help."

The club members include vicars, policemen and pet owners. Membership is £8 a year with instant access to specialist help if needed.

Owner Paul's delighted reaction was: "They were brilliant. I'll definitely be joining the club."