KIP the collie cross is back home with his owners, after being found stranded on a canal bank.

The frightened three-year-old family pet was rescued close to Eanam Wharf, Blackburn, by firefighters, who placed a ladder over the water to reach him.

Delighted owner Julie Gilder and her 16-year-old daughter Kimberley, were frantic when the dog escaped from their home in Frederick Row, Blackburn, on Sunday morning.

They were reunited on Monday.

Kimberley said: "He ran between my mum's legs when she went to get the milk from the door. He ran off once before but came back, so at first we weren't too worried. We started to panic later in the day and are really glad to have him back. He's a bit smelly and the tag has gone from his collar, but apart from that he's fine.

"We can't thank the firefighters enough."

Firefighter Andy Howard, from Blackburn Fire Station, who climbed across the canal to carry Kip back, added: "A passer-by saw the dog was in distress. When we got there is was shivering and very frightened. We think it had either fallen in or been thrown in and then managed to scramble up the canal bank at the other side."

Gordon and Pat Allen, of Aspden Valley Kennel, in Oswaldtwistle, cared for Kip overnight.

Mr Allen said: "It is great there has been a happy ending to this incident, but we have many other animals who aren't so lucky and need new owners."

The kennel can be contacted on 01254 233702.

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