A DACHSHUND was rescued by spade-wielding firefighters after being stuck for a day down a badger hole outside Bovey Tracey.

The trapped hound disappeared down the hole in a bank at Higher Elsford Farm early on Monday.

And a few hours after sunset he emerged bleary-eyed, but unhurt from his underground prison.

Firefighters from Moretonhampstead grafted away with their shovels to remove the distressed animal.

Fire spokesman Tony Hayward said: "They worked very hard. The only way to get the poor dog out was to dig him out.

"He went down early in the day and could not turn around in the tight space to get out again."

He said the dog was visible to his rescuers throughout the ordeal.

"A good pair of long arms eventually scooped him out," said Mr Hayward.

The dog, found to be in good shape despite his prolonged subterranean stay, was reunited with his owners.

The alarm was raised just after 10pm.