KOBY the golden Labrador is in the doghouse after she sparked a major rescue operation.

The energetic four-year-old family pet bounded off in search of a stick in Bold Venture Park, Darwen, only to tumble down a steep 30ft slope into a overgrown quarry.

Her owner, Chelsea Bradley, 12, and friend Karla Tierney, 11, found a safe way into the ditch and sat with Koby until rescuers arrived.

Chelsea's mum, Ann-Marie Houldsworth of Hannah Street, Darwen, said: "I couldn't believe it when all three of them came home with a police escort covered in mud.

"They'd took Koby for a walk up to Darwen Tower and were playing catch. The dog obviously didn't realise there was such a big drop and then couldn't scramble out.

"Chelsea and Karla didn't want to leave her so they waited for help."

Other friends heard the girls cries and raised the alarm. The police, fire service and ambulance went to the scene at lunchtime.

Police dog handler PC Simon Harwood eventually managed to lead the dog to safety which a special pole.

Ann-Maire added: "Luckily none of them are any worse for their experience and all they needed was a good bath."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.