A DOG had to be rescued by firefighters after it jumped into a river and became trapped.

The border terrier was being taken for a walk by two children yesterday afternoon when it jumped into the River Skerne, at Victoria Embankment, Darlington.

Its lead became caught under the water, trapping the dog in the river. The two youngsters raised the alarm after shouting to a passer-by, and the dog was eventually dragged out by a firefighter who waded into the water.

Station officer Richy McArdle, of County Durham Fire and Rescue, said the dog had been in the water about five or ten minutes by the time they arrived.

He said: "It managed to keep its head above the water and was waiting patiently for us."