JORDAN Pickford wasn’t the only one making important saves last night, with a sprightly 67-year-old springing into action to stop a dog from drowning.

Two members of the public alerted Hartlepool RNLI volunteer Fred Robinson to the struggling pup he named “Pickles”, who was fighting for his life in Hartlepool Marina waters.

Mr Robinson, who is a lock gate operator at the marina and deputy launch authority at the Ferry Road lifeboat station jumped into one of the Hartlepool Marina boats.

He quickly found the dog and plucked him out of the water, bringing the little terrier back to safety in the lock gates offices.

Pickles was dried off and made comfortable for the night, however his owners are yet to be found.

Mr Robinson said: “I’m more used to pulling people out of the sea after 28 years volunteering with the RNLI but this is my first dog rescue.

“I have called him ‘Pickles’ because he was in a bit of a pickle when I saved him and I think there is a World Cup connection there as well after the dog that found the World Cup back in 1966.

“It’s been a disappointing night for the England World Cup team but a good night for ‘Pickles’.

“He’s a lovely friendly terrier and I hope we can reunite him with his owner quickly.”

If anyone can help reunite “Pickles” with his owners, contact Hartlepool Marina by calling 01429-865744.