A woman embroiled in a terrifying high-speed crash has heaped praise on a dog crate after her beloved pet escaped unscathed.

Hayley Schofield was travelling home from work in her Mercedes on the M25 near the Darenth Interchange when the horrifying 70mph ordeal unfolded.

The 28-year-old became involved in a smash-up with a van on the anticlockwise carriageway, near Junction 2 in inclement weather, after the speed limit dipped from 70mph –50mph.

Describing how she almost passed out after climbing out of the wreckage, she said: “It was raining and the overhead bollards were saying 50mph so everyone was slowing down.

“I heard a massive beep. (The crash) was awful, I'm not a dramatic person but I thought the worst.

“My Spaniel Mitch comes to work with me on a school farm.

“My first thought was for Mitch. I climbed out of the car and someone said I almost collapsed where I was in shock.

“When I saw Mitch in the back I felt relief.”

Miss Schofield, from Stone in Dartford, thankfully suffered only minor injuries – she believes a specialist TransK9 crate she bought for Mitch five years ago is the reason he is alive.

The crash-tested crates come with a hefty price tag of about £500 but Miss Schofield hopes sharing her story will encourage more pet owners to consider buying one for their pet’s safety.

“It is so common for people to put their dogs in the boot,” she said.

“If there isn't legislation about it, I think there should be.

“You can get the crates in different sizes for each car. They are expensive but my dog travels with me quite a lot so what price do you put on the safety?

“There are lots of different brands that sell them, some cheaper than others and you can even get them second hand.

“I’ve had the crate for five years and you never think you'll need it, but I’m so glad I had it.”

The Mercedes C-class estate Miss Schofield was driving was written off following the crash on Wednesday, April 3.

Police were called to the scene – where two people were reported to have suffered injuries - shortly after 1.30pm, with highways officers and paramedics also in attendance.