A NOSEY dog had a lucky escape after falling halfway down some of the highest and steepest cliffs on the West Somerset coastline.

The pooch was sniffing around near Lilstock when he slipped over the edge on Saturday morning (September 11).

Fortunately, it got stuck halfway down rather than falling the whole way, which could have proved fatal.

A team from Watchet Coastguard was sent to the incident.

A spokesperson said: "The dog walker did exactly the right thing and did not attempt to rescue the dog themselves and instead dialled 999 for the coastguard.

"On arrival at the scene, an immediate rescue was undertaken by one of our cliff rescue technicians, Gary Morgan, utilising our specialist animal rescue bag which is attached into the cliff technician's equipment set up, and allows us to safely recover an animal back.

"Having set up the cliff top holdfasts (series of metal stakes) and connecting in the main and safety rescue lines, Gary descended to the dog and was able to attach the guide lead onto it, and then encourage the dog into the safety of the large bag."

Gary and the dog were recovered by colleagues and the pet was reunited with its grateful owner.

The spokesperson added: "HM Coastguard continue to remind dog walkers to keep their valued pets on leads near unguarded cliff edges to help prevent them going over the edge - if they were to chase a ball, bird or rabbit for example.

"Remember in a coastal emergency to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard."