AN RSPCA inspector has been honoured for rescuing a dog on Greetland Moor.

Richard Oddy has been awarded a Certificate of Merit by his bosses.

He spent hours down a moorland hole rescuing a Jack Russell named Betty.

Richard was called out at 2.30pm on May 6, with inspectors Amanda Swift and Rebecca Bell.

They were told a Betty had disappeared down a hole between two boulders on Greetland Moor the previous day.

Betty had been out with owner Caroline Formby of Halifax.

Inspector Oddy, who is based in Halifax, crawled inside the hole and spent hours digging while his colleagues provided light and equipment.

Betty was trapped behind a large boulder. After failing to smash the rock with a sledgehammer, Inspector Oddy modified a hook and fitted it behind the boulder.

The rock was pulled loose and Betty escaped, after 24 hours underground.

Relieved owner Caroline said: "I am so grateful to the three inspectors who worked so tirelessly to free Betty.

"She now wears a lead now whenever we go walking."

Inspectors Swift and Bell will also receive Certificates of Commendation .

Alan Wolinski, regional manager for RSPCA in the North, said: "These three officers saved Betty's life."