A BORDER collie with a fixation for trains has survived a close encounter with a 100-ton steam locomotive on the West Somerset Railway. Three-year-old Barney's right hind leg was severed when he was hit by the engine in the horrific accident, which happened on the outskirts of Watchet. Incredibly, despite seven carriages rolling over him and being thrown around 25 yards down the track by the impact, Barney survived. But his obsession - which only involves steam, not diesel, trains - means his owners Kathryn and Roger Bellchamber feel they have to find him a new home. The couple's garden in Watchet backs onto the WSR track and despite his ordeal, Barney shows no sign of abandoning his enthusiasm for train chasing. "He's a lovely dog, good with children and very docile most of the time,"said Roger. "But he needs to live somewhere well away from a railway track." Barney was walking along the Mineral Line with Kathryn and Roger when he was injured just over three weeks ago. "He heard the train coming and the next thing we knew he had slipped his lead and got onto the track through a gap in the fence," said Roger. "He just ran straight towards the train. I was shouting his name and calling him but he didn't take any notice. "I saw it hit him - it was awful and I couldn't sleep for two or three nights afterwards because I just kept seeing it happen over and over again." When the train had passed, Roger ran over to where Barney was lying. "I didn't know what I'd find - I thought he'd be a mess. "There was quite a bit of blood but not from his leg - amazingly the impact had sealed the artery, otherwise he would probably have bled to death. "He'd bashed his face a bit and his tail. "He was lying very still but then I saw him move his head. He didn't cry or whimper or make any sound." The train driver had alerted WSR officials as soon as he reached Blue Anchor and within about 15 minutes, trackside staff had arrived to offer what help they could. "We're so grateful to them," said Roger. "The train couldn't stop but they did everything they could after it happened." Kathryn, meanwhile, had run home to get the couple's car and Roger eventually carried Barney the 20 yards or so to a crossing close to a track with vehicular access. "We'd already rung the vets and they told us to bring him straight in. "We just put him in the back of the car and drove there." Simon White from the White Lodge Veterinary Clinic in Minehead said Barney had emergency surgery to repair the stump of his severed leg. Two days later a further operation was performed to wire together the other side of his pelvis to ensure his surviving hind leg was as good as it could be for the future. "Not many dogs survive going under a train but Barney did, despite the engine and seven carriages going over him," said Mr White. "He certainly had a narrow escape. But he was very stoical and rapidly became a much loved and admired patient at the clinic." Now the hunt to find Barney a new home is underway. "The experience of being hit by a train doesn't seem to have changed his attitude to them at all," said Roger. "He can hear them miles away and it seems to be worst when they are going uphill. "He just barks and barks and gets quite demented. "He's highly intelligent and even open doors but we just feel we can't take the risk of another incident like this." WSR general manager Paul Conibeare said that with 47 miles of hedgerows and fences to maintain, it was inevitable that animals would sometimes get onto the heritage line's track. "This was a tragic accident and the driver of the train involved was very upset," he said. "All the crews were very concerned and everyone is very relieved and glad that Barney survived and now seems to be recovering well. "We now hope that the local community will rally round and a new home can be found for Barney to ensure he has a long and happy life - away from any trains." Barney's recuperation is continuing and although he currently has to keep the weight off his remaining back leg and pelvis, he is expected to make a good recovery and should be able to lead a normal doggy life. Anyone willing to offer him a safe home - preferably miles from the sound of a steam train - can contact the Bellchambers on 01984 634293.