A DOG owner has spoken of the terrifying moment her dog ran off the edge of a 30ft cliff, sparking a dramatic rescue bid.

Patterdale terrier Archie was out for a walk with owner Maxine Rule, her partner Kevin and his dog Lexi in Walton on last week.

But disaster almost struck when six-year-old Archie took a tumble down the cliff face.

Maxine, 44, said: “Both dogs ran across the field, Archie got to the edge, stopped and then just went over. Lexi didn’t follow, but was looking for another way down. When I ran over, I could not believe the drop and thought he must be dead.”

Miraculously, Archie survived – but he was unable to get back up and the tide was quickly coming in.

Harwich RNLI’s inshore lifeboat and the Walton Coastguard were called to the scene. A member of the lifeboat crew went into the water to save Archie.

Maxine, of Hertfordshire, added: “We would like to thank the RNLI very much, especially the man who had to get out of the lifeboat and carried Archie to safety.”

RNLI spokesman Keith Churchman said the lifeboat was on its way back from a charity event when it was contacted by Thames Coastguard and asked to attend.