A dog was rescued by firefighters on Sunday after being stranded on an island in a Bebington pond.

The two year old mixed-breed spaniel, Lucy was brought to safety after running into difficulty while out with her owner, Helen Lambert in parkland on Stanton Road, Bebington.

She had fallen into the water and swam to the middle of the pond for safety.

Helen, from Eastham, said: “Lucy is a big bundle of cuddles and fun and she likes getting up to mischief wherever she can.

“I took her for a walk and she went over to get a drink from the pond but then accidentally toppled in. She panicked and swam to the reed island in the centre but we couldn’t entice her back.

“We tried everything and passers-by even stopped to help. We are so grateful to the firefighters who came along to help.

“Luckily she wasn’t injured by her adventure and we are very grateful to have her home.”

Helen eventually had to call Merseyside Fire and Rescue to help retrieve Lucy.

One fire engine arrived at the scene at 4.30pm and firefighters entered the pond in an attempt to coax the dog back to dry land.

Watch manager, Des McDonald, who was at the scene, said: “Lucy had been stranded for two hours when we arrived and she was very scared.

“We would always advise dog owners to keep their dogs on leads near water and never let them stray on to frozen lakes or ponds.

“Never enter the water to try and save your dog as you could end up in danger yourself. Remember that wet riverbanks, steep edges or jagged rocks can make it hard for a dog to scramble out and they are a slip risk for owners too.

“If your dog does enter the water and struggles it may have inhaled water and should see a vet immediately. Dogs can drown after the event if water has entered their lungs.”

For more information about dog safety around water visit: https://chieffireofficers.wordpress.com/2016/04/28/dog-walkers-be-aware-bewateraware/