He was a rescue dog who needed rescuing himself.

And the of a Cocker Spaniel needed the full might of West Yorkshire Fire Service when their pet fell into a culvert.

The 16-month-old rescue dog called Hugo was adopted by his new owners, Jeff Peers and Moira Wilson, from Huddersfield, at the start of the year.

But it was only a few months before he needed a second rescue – this time by firefighters after he fell into an inaccessible drainage culvert near to Wessenden Head Reservoir while out on a walk.

His owners were in an area with little phone reception, but eventually managed to get through to the emergency services.

Jeff said that although he could hear Hugo whimpering he could not see him.

Fire Service Station Manager Mark Hitchcock attended as Technical Rescue Officer and requested the Technical Rescue Unit from Cleckheaton Fire Station.

Back left to right: FF Dave Haigh, FF Tom Bryan, FF Sean Mitton, Front left to right: Firefighter Liam Rothery, Watch Commander Gary Hatton. Middle (in purple T-shirt is Jeff Peers holding Hugos lead.)

Due to the location, crews had to walk around a kilometre across the moorland to access the site.

Firefighter Liam Rothery donned a dry suit attached to a line and entered the culvert where he retrieved Hugo to the delight of the owners.

Jeff said: “It was a huge relief to see him come out, particularly as just before that the firefighter had said he could not see him which made our hearts sink.

“Hugo had been whimpering for around two and a half hours but came out and was right as rain.

“The firefighters were brilliant. They had the right kit and I was impressed by their calmness and professionalism.”