When a concerned member of the public spotted a distressed owner and friend trying to retrieve a cockapoo in mud trouble yesterday evening, HM Coastguard was contacted.

A request for assistance to West Kirby RNLI just after 5pm initiated a prompt launch

By this time, the couple who had attempted to rescue the dog had retreated to the wall of West Kirby Marine Lake, and had been advised not to return to the beach due to the potentially treacherous muddy conditions.

They informed the RNLI volunteer crew that the dog was a skittish rescue dog and afraid of men.

Fortunately, one of the newest volunteer crew members, Ella Marston, is a very experienced dog handler. She was transferred onto the crew who then proceeded to the moorings, where the dog had last been sighted.

The dog was duly located, and Ella dismounted from the boat and launch vehicle and carefully approached. She was able to reassure the dog, who by this stage was covered in mud and exhausted.

The dog was transferred onboard West Kirby RNLI Lifeboat and returned to shore at Sandy Lane slipway to its awaiting owners.

Speaking following the call out, Gary Price, West Kirby RNLI Lifeboat Deputy Launch Authority said: "We would like to thank the member of the public who acted quickly in contacting the Coastguard and advising the casualties in the most sensible way.

"It is very easy to become trapped in mud, which can become even more dangerous when you factor in the tide.

"In this instance the owners did the right thing by returning to shore to seek support. Please do call 999 and ask for the Coastguard should you suspect that anyone is in difficulty near to or on the water."