A FIREMAN got a "great big lick" of gratitude after saving a dog trapped on a rocky ledge after it was swept away in the swollen waters of the River Kent.

Kendal fire fighter Chris Milburn rescued the crag fast Border Collie after a one-and-a-half hour operation which involved him dangling 15ft from a line only inches above a raging torrent of foaming water.

Six-year-old Shep had been enjoying a riverside walk with owner James Cooper, of Helme Drive, Kendal, and had gone into the water near to Lark Rigg Farm, Natland.

The river was in full spate because of recent heavy rain and the dog lost its footing and got caught up in the fast-flowing current.

A frantic Mr Cooper was unable to locate his beloved pet, despite searching for 20 minutes.

It was only when Shep started howling that he was able to find him perched on a rocky ledge 400 metres downstream.

He telephoned the emergency services from the farm.

Mr Milburn had two attempts at rescuing the dog, which was reluctant to be coaxed from the safety of the rocks.

But he eventually managed to persuade the dog into a sling and it was hauled to safety.

"He made a big fuss of the fireman who rescued him," said a relieved Mr Cooper.

"One slip on those rocks and he would have been a goner."