WAT-ER tale!

A young man went to the rescue of a beautiful Spaniel who seemed to have got into distress after jumping into Clarence Park Lido for cool down.

Mark Nash, from Ramsbottom carefully waded into the water to pull the dog to safety after attempts by the RSPCA failed.

The drama unfolded this afternoon at the popular beauty spot at 2.15pm with passers-by becoming increasingly concerned for the welfare of the dog who had been in the water for an hour-and-a-half.

Linda Gardner, who volunteers at the Age UK cafe in the park, said: "A dog ran in from the park for a swim — not surprising given the weather.

"However about 20 minutes later the dog was still swimming and appeared disorientated.

"The dog, kept going round in circles and several people were calling it but it just kept going back into the middle.

"By 2.45pm the dog was tiring badly and kept going under water and we were all really worried it would drown."

Mrs Gardner, who lives in Brandlesholme, phoned the RSPCA and the emergency services, with the animal charity asking for the help of the fire service.

"The RSPCA were some 15 minutes away and the traffic was bad. The dog was really distressed," said Mrs Gardner.

And while Mrs Gardner was persuaded not to go in by fellow volunteers despite wanting to, Mark waded in to waist height, but as soon as he got close to the dog it swam away.

Mrs Gardner said: "The dog would go back to the middle again and went round in circles frequently sinking under the water.

"Two ladies from The RSPCA came to help. They also couldn't get near the dog and called the Fire Brigade who then said they would attend. Meantime our local hero with the help of the dog grabber pole supplied by the RSPCA managed to grab the dog and rescue it."

The fire brigade was cancelled.

Mrs Gardner said: "There was a crowd of adults and school children watching and Mr Hero received a well deserved round of applause."

It is thought the dog had escaped from his home and made is way to the lido, where people have seen it being walked by its owner.

"It is a beautiful dog, well cared for, someone said they had seen it being walked," said Mrs Gardener, "The RSPCA took the dog away to check for a microchip so hopefully he or she is back with his owner."