‘Houdini’ spaniel rescued from Bakewell river

Stella the cocker spaniel, who has an enlarged heart and gets exhausted quickly, was swept downstream, as she struggled to make it back to the river bank.

Two members of the council’s clean and green team Steven Sears and Leigh Hill hauled her out of the water.

Owner Diane Cliff, of Darley Dale, said: “They were really helpful. One of them was even kind enough to wrap his jacket around Stella to keep her warm. She was in a state. I got her in September so we’re still getting to know each other. She slipped her harness like a little Houdini and ran straight into the water, I’m assuming attracted by the ducks.”