A DRAMATIC tale had a happy ending for one Middlewich man who saved his dog's life when he rescued her from drowning.

George Newton, of Chester Road, had to drag his Staffordshire bull terrier Billie out of the water and give her the kiss of life after a strong current got the better of her where the rivers Dane and Wheelock meet.

The 52-year-old often takes Billie for walks at the spot, near Croxton Lane, and lets her swim to keep cool but as she got tired she lost her battle against the current.

He said: "After what seemed like two or three minutes she seemed to give up and just rolled over on her back motionless in the water.

"I knew she would drown if I didn't do something so I quickly took off my jacket and shoes throwing them on the bank with my mobile phone.

"The water was very cold but I swam to her and was able to grab her around the waist and struggled back to the bank against the current.

"She was still completely lifeless and her eyes were rolled back in her head - she wasn't breathing."

George had no choice but to resuscitate 10-year-old Billie on the riverbank.

He said: "I closed her mouth and placed my lips over her nostrils and blew in three times.

"At first there was no response so I tried again and, to my surprise and relief, she suddenly let out a gasp and started to come round."

After a night tucked up with a hot water bottle and a full check up at the vets Billie is now fighting fit and eager to get back in the water.

But George is determined to keep her safe and has discovered he can kit her out with a specially made life vest to aid her buoyancy.

He said: "It's made me more aware now - what looks like a nice tranquil spot can turn out to be dangerous."