FIREFIGHTERS improvised on the usual ‘cat up a tree’ rescue when they plucked a dog to safety in Newton Abbot yesterday. (mon)

It was a ‘first’ for two crews from the town who spent an hour coaxing the pooch down from his perch over the River Lemon near Bradley Manor.

The reckless pet had scrambled up the tree after a squirrel who survived the chase to gather more nuts for winter.

But the impetuous Patterdale terrier was not so fortunate. After the excitement of the pursuit he found himself well and truly stranded on the tree which overhung the depths of the Lemon at a

30 degree angle.

The anxious owner took advice from passers-by and called in the brigade who rushed to the beauty spot just after 10.30am.

A ladder was thrown across the river to act as a bridge for the tentative terrier - who overcame his fright of height and water by the lure of biscuit treats.

A fire spokesman said: ‘The dog was stuck there for about two hours. He was fine afterwards. We’ve rescued plenty of cats up trees - but never a dog.’

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