A WALK in the country ended in a full scale rescue operation when a three-month old puppy plunged 50ft down a narrow crevice.

On only her third outing since she was born, Sasha the tiny Staffordshire bull terrier was enjoying a romp through the County Durham countryside when she suddenly disappeared.

At first it was thought the pup had fallen about 12 ft but as rescue efforts began by the fire service and the RSPCA it quickly became clear that Sasha had plummeted much deeper.

It was around 2pm yesterday that post man John Percival and his 20-year-old son Stephen decided to take Sasha and their Jack Russell, Spencer, on a trek along a designated walk in countryside around Cassop.

The quartet were just minutes into their walk when Sasha slipped into a small hole.

"My son tried to catch her but she disappeared over the edge of the deep crevice,'' said Mr Percival, who lives with his wife Fiona at Newtown Hall near Durham.

The Percivals contacted the fire brigade who quickly arrived at the scene and established that the puppy had plunged much deeper than first thought.

By 7.30pm the rescue had to be abandoned and a tearful Mr Percival went home believing he would probably not see Sasha again.

But at first light today (fri) he returned to the scene to hear the welcome and distant sound of Sasha barking.

Rescuers were then given the use of a JCB and members of the Teesdale and Weardale Fell Rescue Team also arrived to give assistance.

After more than an hour of digging a platform was constructed some 10ft down the crevice from where rescuers were hoping to use handling sticks to reach the beleaguered pup.The rescue was still continuing at 1.30pm today.

"She is so small and helpless it has been the most distressing time but I can't thank the rescue team enough,'' said Mr Percival.

He also thanked the owner of the JCB who had loaned the team the machine and the farmer who had allowed his land to be dug out in the bid to reach Sasha.