THE Red Watch fire crew at Folkestone came to the rescue when an inquisitive 12-week-old blue border collie became stuck behind a barbecue at his home.

His owners, the Watkinson family, had earlier tried in vain to free Pippin using a sticky mixture of washing-up liquid and olive oil. But he kept wriggling and got wedged fast upside-down behind the brick structure.

Dad Gary went to fetch a pickaxe. That was the point that wife Jane thought they needed expert help and dialled 999.

The Red Watch fire crew of Mick Scott-Smith, Jansen Smith, Mark Laxton and Emma Chapman arrived and were left with no choice but to dismantle the grill brick by brick to reach the distressed dog.

Mrs Watkinson, of Cheriton Road in Folkestone, said: “We thought Pippin had broken his shoulder and back, but when he emerged and Gary called him, he got up and wagged his tail and everyone cheered. He’s fine and we were so relieved.”

Mrs Watkinson, who later visited Folkestone fire station with a crate of cold beers in appreciation of the team’s efforts, added: “Of all the emergency services, firefighters are never appreciated enough for their services. They are worth their weight in gold."