AN arthritic dog that ignored lifeboat crews' efforts to save his life a quarter of a mile out to sea, is safe and well.

Eleven-year-old Toby, who was too absorbed in paddling after his ball to be interested in jumping aboard the rescue vessel, has been traced by The Northern Echo.

The labrador was on a trip to Redcar, east Cleveland, with owners Mark Reece and Louise Craggs, from Darlington, when the wind sent his football into the sea and he jumped in to retrieve it.

Ms Craggs, who works at a veterinary practice, said: "He's got arthritis but he made a flying leap for the sea. He just wanted that football. But every time Toby lunged to get the ball he just ended up heading it further out to sea. Then we lost sight of him.

"Toby just loves the sea and was not worried at all but I was in a blind panic. He's our little boy."

Mr Reece went into the sea to try to retrieve Toby but he was too far out. Meanwhile, Ms Craggs borrowed a phone from a passer-by and dialled 999.

"Someone from Redcar lifeboat co-ordinated the operation from the beach and asked the crew out at sea if Toby was okay. They replied: 'He's still chasing the ball.'

"Once they brought him back, all he wanted was his ball back. He was fine."

The couple, who were on holiday when Toby's story first appeared in the Echo, are very grateful to the lifeboat crew for saving their pet.

"We heard from a friend that Toby even had a mention on German TV," said Ms Craggs.