A man and his dog had to be rescued after falling down a 20ft hole.

Firefighters were called to Matts Hill Road, Hartlip, at about 1.20pm today.

They found both the man and his pet had fallen into the hole while on a walk.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said the man was believed to be in his 60s.

She added: "The dog, a brown springer spaniel, had fallen down the hole which was about half a mile from the road in woodland next to a farmer's field.

"The man has tried to help the dog out, slipped and fell in himself, down a 20ft drop.

"He had a phone and was able to get a call to the police and led them to the site.

"It was lucky he had a phone with him and it was working. Without it, he might still be down there and it could have been quite serious for him" - KFRS spokesman.

"We used a small extension ladder and got the dog out before he climbed out himself. They were both uninjured.

"It was lucky he had a phone with him and it was working. Without it, he might still be down there and it could have been quite serious for him.

"We would always advise, if your pet is in distress, to call for assistance rather than try and help the pet yourself."

The rescue was over by about 2.15pm.