A NINE-month old springer spaniel had a lucky escape after it got stuck in the mud on Blue Anchor beach. 

The springer spaniel, Ben, and his owner, Andrew Harrison from Bicknoller, were out for a walk when Ben started chasing seagulls towards the incoming tide and got stuck in the mud.

Mr Harrison said Ben’s adventure came to a sudden halt but by that time he was well beyond the point where he could be reached.

“He took off like a rocket and although I called him back it had absolutely no effect,” he said.

“I did make an effort to walk out towards him but the mud was so deep I realised we would both end up being stuck.”

Mr Harrison called 999 and Minehead’s RNLI D-class lifeboat was launched while a coastguard mud rescue team was dispatched from Watchet.

The coastguards managed to reach Ben and got him out of the mud with only a little time to spare. 

A spokesman for Minehead RNLI, said the incoming tide was already up to his neck and would have covered him within 10 minutes.

Ben was transferred to a mud sledge, hauled back to firm ground and handed back to his owner, cold but otherwise unhurt.

Minehead RNLI spokesman Chris Rundle said the incident highlighted the need for walkers to keep their dogs under close control on Blue Anchor beach.

“In this case Ben clearly got carried away and there was little his owner could have done once he took off,” he said.

“But if people know their dogs are easily distracted it is always advisable to keep them well away from the mud or on a long lead if they are anywhere near it.

“And the golden rule is not to go after them if they do end up getting stuck. In this case Mr Harrison did exactly the right thing: he dialled 999 and asked for help.”