A DOG stuck in a ditch at a Pennine beauty spot had to be rescued by firefighters.

German Shepherd Kimba became wedged in the narrow opening in three feet of water after chasing a ball near Hollingworth Lake.

Owner Sue Thompson, of Durnlaw Close, Littleborough, tried to pull the seven and a half-stone pet out, but, standing at five feet tall and weighing a stone less than Kimba, she failed.

Passers-by including a local road sweeper also tried to lift the pedigree pooch from the muddy water, but after 15 minutes of struggling, the fire brigade had to be called.

Eventually a specialist water rescue team from Eccles fire station arrived on the scene and freed the pet.

By this time Kimba had become distressed and was whining and shivering in the water.

Watch Commander, Roy Higson, said: "The dog just couldn't get out of the water and his owner was only a slight lady, she just couldn't manage to lift him.

Manpower

"It wasn't a particularly difficult rescue, it was just a matter of extra manpower.

"When the dog got out it was like he'd been hit with a battering ram, he was running around everywhere.

"It's just a shame they had to wait so long."

But despite the delay Mrs Thompson was just glad to have Kimba back and the soggy pair were given a lift home by a passer-by.

Mrs Thompson said: "I threw Kimba's ball and he ran off into the ditch, when he couldn't get out I went in to try and lift him.

"The water came up over my wellies - I was soaked.

"There was a road sweeper who tried to help and a lady who tried to pull him out using a horse lead rope, but we couldn't move him.

Scared

"Rather than growling Kimba was just getting more and more scared. The thing is Kimba is heavier than me.

"It took two firemen to wade in and pull him out.

"I wish I taken some of the phone numbers for the people who tried to help so that I could say thanks.

"The fireman were absolutely superb, they just knew exactly how to lift him, Kimba was thrilled to bits when they got him out."