WHEN two-year-old Harvey fell down a viaduct at Alton Water and became trapped a rescue mission was launched by firefighters to save him.

WHEN two-year-old Harvey fell down a viaduct at Alton Water and became trapped a rescue mission was launched by firefighters to save him.

Harvey, a seven stone Doberman, ended up stuck 20ft down at the bottom of the steep viaduct at the reservoir in Stutton after climbing down a sloping barrier.

He was out on an evening walk with his owner Junior Johnson when he came into trouble after running off exploring.

And yesterday, the grateful pooch and his owner Junior Johnson visited Princes Street fire station to say a big “thank you” to the firefighters involved.

Mr Johnson, of Wherstead Road, said he had not realised how far Harvey had fallen and “panicked” until he saw he was moving around.

“I just froze up when I saw him drop,” she said. “I was really worried until he started running around at the bottom.”

Mr Johnson's mum Caryl Crouch said she received a call from her son just after 9pm, prompting her to call the fire service.

Mr Johnson added: “Harvey doesn't like people wearing dark clothes so I had to go down the ladder and help push him up while the fire service pulled him from above.”

But despite his scary ordeal, brave Harvey escaped with just a few bruises.

Miss Crouch said: “Harvey is fine now, he was a bit worried I think, he got into the situation and couldn't find the way out.

“He did co-operate very well getting up the ladder.”

Miss Crouch said she wanted to express her thanks to the firefighters who helped in the rescue mission.

“I want to say thank you very much to them all,” she said. “I know they are very busy with the hot weather recently, we are really grateful to them.”

The fire crews used specialist equipment and ladders to rescue Harvey.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue's group manager Ian Bowell said: “The rescue was not difficult from our point of view.

“Rescues with animals are always unpredictable, they can be scared and frightened and it is difficult to know how they will react.

“We were careful and quiet in our approach using ladders and other equipment to make a walkway for the dog. We used the owner to provide encouragement and reassurance during the rescue.”