Firefighters rescue dog after it falls down sinkhole
Specialist firefighters have rescued a dog from a sink hole in Whitburn this afternoon.
Two rope rescue teams from South Shields were called to Mill Lane at noon.
The dog had fallen into a sinkhole, which was filling with water, and unable to escape.
"Two of the crew members were lowered on rope lines into the hole and managed to get the dog out," said a Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service spokesman.
"The dog was safe and well and has been reunited with its owner."