A DOG had to be pulled to safety by fire and rescue crews after he got stuck down a rabbit hole.

Tinker ran down the burrow on the banks of the River Wear near Chester-le-Street Cricket Ground yesterday afternoon.

A crew from High-Handenhold Station  excavated the river bank and were able to pull the small pet terrier to safety.

A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said: "We are very pleased Tinker is reunited with his owner, safe and sound, well done to everyone involved."