PET owners are being warned not to leave their animals unnatended in cars on sunny days after a border collie had to be rescued.

Firefighters in Pickering, North Yorkshire, freed the dog, which was locked in a Ford Mondeo in the car park of the Black Swan Hotel, Hungate, after being alerted by a tourist.

The car windows were wound down slightly and the sunroof was partly open.

Leading firefighter Stuart Moss said: "It was an exceptionally hot day and the dog was very distressed."

They freed the dog by pushing a brush handle through the gap at the top of the window to open a door.

RSPCA spokeswoman Heather Holmes said: "If you leave an animal in a hot car you are cooking it.

"Temperatures can reach up to 49C. Even though the forecast is not for blazing sun, pet owners should be aware that it is still a lot hotter than it was a couple of months ago."

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police confirmed that officers had attended the scene and spoken to the dog owner.