IT is a story which would not look out of place in a Walt Disney film - but it seems to be one of the most remarkable animal rescues ever to take place.

A frightened dog, suffering from a bleeding head wound, had made it half way to shore across the fast flowing River Tees but was tiring in the current.

But, just as it seemed the animal would go under, rescuers on the bank were stunned to see the dog saved in the most unlikely circumstances.

According to witnesses, two seals popped their heads out of the water and began to gently nudge the poor animal back to safety.

The aquatic rescuers continued to help the stricken animal back until it was in reach of bystanders on the bank who dragged it back to dry land.

"I have never heard anything like it in my life," said sub-officer Mark Baxter of Cleveland Fire Brigade.

The incredible rescue started just before 7pm last night beneath Newport Bridge, Middlesbrough, when fire crews were called to the scene.

They found two amazed witnesses, a man and his 17-year-old son, who were helping the dog out of the water.

"They were standing on the bank and the dog was struggling, it had an injury to its skull," said officer Baxter.

"It had got about half way across the river when these two seals appeared and nudged it back to the bank.

"They were both reliable people who seemed believable and I have no reason to doubt them at all."

The dog - a labrador and alsatian cross - is being looked after by the RSPCA while the owner, thought to be an elderly local man, is found.