Coastguard search and rescue volunteers and an RNLI lifeboat came to the rescue after a dog was feared to have fallen down a 150-metre cliff face.

Lynmouth Coastguard and the RNLI Ilfracombe rescuers were called after reports that a German Pointer was missing between Ramsey Beach and Heddons Mouth.

Once on scene, the teams met up with the first informant and got further information on where the dog had last been seen. A cliff rescue system was put in place, and a cliff rescue technician was lowered around 150m in an attempt to locate the animal.

During this sea based search, our RNLI colleagues said they could hear the dogs barking further along the coastpath, the dogs owners also said they thought they could hear barking further along. The cliff rescue system was dismantled and moved to the area the dog could be heard from.

As this was in progress, the dog appeared back on the coastpath and into the hands of the cliff rescue technician, having managed to self-rescue, after which the dog was passed back, uninjured,

A Coastguard spokesman said: “Canine companions love going for ‘walkies’ and not much beats a trip to the coast. But sadly, many dogs die each year after running over cliff edges.

Dogs are easily distracted by all the exciting sounds and smells on a coastal walk and often may want to chase a bird or an animal. It's safer to keep your dog on a lead when out walking along the coast. It’s also better for the local wildlife, especially during spring and summer when ground-nesting birds are breeding at the coast.”

Lynmouth Coastguard posted: “Hector the Pointer appeared on the path unhurt and very happy to see his owners. A great outcome and a big relief. “