A DOG that became stuck on a seawall ledge had to be rescued by coastguard crews.

Shortly after 10.45am today (Thursday) the Blyth Coastguard Rescue Team was told that a 3ft Alaskan Malamute, called 'Kia', had become stuck on the ledge at Collywell Bay, just to the South of Seaton Sluice in Northumberland.

The dog was unable to climb up a 4ft wall and, due to breaking waves, the station officer of Blyth Coastguard and a brigade captain tried to coax the dog up the wall by tempting it with treats, lowering a box for it to climb onto and then lowering a stretcher that the dog could run up - all without success.

A spokesman said: "With the incoming tide rapidly increasing the size of waves that were breaking over the dog and the rescuers, a brigade captain and a member of Blyth Coastguard donned dry suits and lifejackets and climbed down next to the dog before lifting it up the ledge where it was then led to safety.

"The rescue posed a number of difficulties due to the location and size of the dog. They were overcome by strong teamwork in a challenging, and at times wet, environment."