TYSON was floored, but not permanently damaged by a lengthy ordeal stuck under a water tank.

The Tyson in question is a four-year-old terrier-cross which has the run of Stables Farm, at Leamside, near Durham.

But while out with Bruno, a two-year-old labrador-cross, also owned by farm labourer Alan Stephenson, Tyson got into difficulties apparently chasing a rat.

Mr Stephenson and his wife, Christine, became concerned when Tyson failed to return to the family home on the farm long after dusk fell on Wednesday.

So they went out and were guided to the water tank by the whimpering of Bruno.

Mr Stephenson said: "Bruno was quite unusual, running to this tank that we call 'The Rocket' because of its size and shape.

"I ran and got a torch and saw Tyson lying sprawled there under the tank.

"I started digging a hole to try to get to him, but at first it did not seem to be doing much good, so we rang for the fire brigade.

"I was getting nearer when a fire crew arrived. They had the gear to help get close enough to loosen all the ground around him, so I was able to crawl in and pull him out.

"The tank was full with about 30 tonnes of water pressing against his stomach, so he is a bit shaken and sore, but he seems to be getting more active again now."

Mr Stephenson said Tyson must have been stuck for three hours, but said there did not seem to be any long-term damage.

He said Tyson enjoyed having the run of the farm and doubted the dog would be more cautious in future.