A DOG has been saved from Irvine harbour this week after the Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team rushed to the scene.

The coastguard was called out shortly after 5pm on Monday to reports of a dog stuck in the harbour at Irvine and unable to get out.

The dog was quickly located trapped underneath the harbour and it became obvious the dog had been in the water for sometime and was nearing the point of exhaustion.

A spokesman for the Coastguard said: “The team deployed a water rescue operator – armed with doggy biscuits kindly provided by a member of the public – into the harbour with  a floating line ready to attach to the dog which appeared to wearing a harness.

“The water rescue operator cautiously approached the frightened pup who was more than happy to be rescued.

“Once safely on dry land, the pup was wrapped up in a dog blanket kindly donated by a member of the public and very quickly turned into a lively little bundle of fun.

“The dog was then conveyed to Irvine Police Office.

“This was a successful rescue operation albeit the casualty was a bit smaller and furrier than we are used to.”