COASTGUARDS were alerted to reports of a dog which had gone over the cliffs at Golden cap.

On Sunday morning officers were alerted by Solent Coastguard National Maritime Operations Centre (NMOC) to reports of a dog over the cliff at the highest point on the south coast of England.

A spokesman for West Bay Coastguard said: "Officers quickly made their way to the station in West Bay to gather their equipment and 4x4 rescue vehicle before heading to the area.

"Our flank team from Lyme Regis were also responding to the incident.

"Officers gained off-road access to the area via Filcombe Farm and using the teams 4x4 were able to drive all the way to the base of Golden Cap.

"Under the command of the Lyme Regis OIC (Officer in Charge) all of the cliff rescue equipment was carried up Golden Cap and over to the incident location where the dogs owners indicated the area the dog had gone missing.

"Just as officers were preparing the rescue equipment, the missing dog made a sudden appearance having self rescued, and was reunited with its happy owner which was a great result.

"After admiring the view on what was a glorious morning, the officers then carried the equipment back down to the waiting vehicles and returned to station.

"The dog owner did exactly the right thing by calling the Coastguard when his dog went missing, rather than attempting a self rescue which can so often put lives at risk.

"Please keep your dog on a lead when on the cliffs as accidents can happen very quickly and without warning.

"If the worst does happen then please dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard who will send a specially trained cliff rescue team to assist you."