Coastguard crews were scrambled to the Herne Bay coast after a dog plunged off a cliff.

The cocker spaniel was left precariously perched on a ledge just 2ft wide after falling from the top at Bishopstone Glen.

As crowds gathered on Sunday afternoon to watch 40ft below, a coastguard officer scaled down the cliff face to reach the dog.

He managed to grab its collar and put it in an animal bag before he lowered himself to the ground and reunited the dog with his relieved owners.

The rescue operation involved coastguard teams from Herne Bay, Margate and Deal.

Herne Bay Coastguard station officer Gordon Sinclair said: “On this occasion there was a happy outcome so we would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone not to go close to cliff edges and to keep their dogs on a lead on cliff paths.

“If you do see someone or a pet in difficulties on the coast do as this dog owner did - dial 999 and ask for the coastguard, do not attempt to rescue them yourself standby and stay calm.

“We have specialist skills and equipment to deal with these types of situations whether it be in the mud, on the cliffs or in the sea - and we are never far away.”