Soggy doggy saved after river fall

Diane Cliff (far right) pictured with her friend Fenella Tallack, Fenellas daughter Scarlett and, front, District Council workers Steven Sears (left) and Leigh Hill with Stella.

Stella the cocker spaniel was swept downstream after slipping from her harness during a walk by the River Wye, in Bakewell, with owner Diane Cliff.

As the dog, which has an enlarged heart and gets exhausted quickly, struggled to make it back to the river bank, two members of the Derbyshire Dales District Council’s Clean and Green team – Steven Sears and Leigh Hill – hauled her out of the water.

“They were really helpful,” said Diane, of Darley Dale, “and one of them was even kind enough to wrap his jacket around Stella to keep her warm. She really was in a state. I got her from a rescue centre back in September and we’re still getting to know each other. She slipped her harness like a little Houdini and ran straight into the water, I’m assuming attracted by the ducks.

“She made it to the other side of the river but then really got into trouble trying to get back again. She just flopped and I am so grateful to Steve and Leigh for getting her out.”

The council’s operations manager Peter McEvoy said: “You’d be amazed how often our parks and streets workers are called on to help with everyday crises. They are a top team and it’s great to get positive feedback.”