Alsatian Alfie in dramatic Chesterfield Canal rescue

Worksop fire crews were called to Haggonfields Lock yesterday morning after reports the dog had fallen into Chesterfield Canal.

Green watch manager Ian Cooper said crews were giving school safety training at Haggonfields Primary which meant they could get on the scene quickly.

“The dog had been walking a bit too close to the side and he fell in. The canal was almost empty so it was difficult for him to get out,” he said.

“We called the specialist rescue team to come with the boat equipment but luckily we managed to get him out before.”

“He was really shaking because it was so cold and quite frightened but he was very brave and had a good shake when he came out.”

Mr Cooper said the canal is around 4-5 ft deep when empty but can be 10ft deep when full.

“With it getting colder it won’t be long before there’s ice in the canal, so we remind dog owners to keep their pets on a lead and walk away from the edge of the canal,” he said.