POLICE are searching for the owner of a dog which survived a dramatic cliff rescue.

The spaniel, nicknamed Cliff by police officers, was discovered 40ft down a rock face in Guisborough Woods early on Tuesday morning.

A 68-year-old member of the public rang police on two occasions, the last at about 6pm, to say the dog was still there and looked in distress.

An RAF Sea King helicopter was launched to carry out an extensive search of the area to confirm the dog's owner had not fallen down the cliff and was in danger.

Snow and icy conditions meant it was difficult for Cleveland Police and the mountain rescue team to reach the dog, but he was rescued shortly after 9pm.

Sgt Jeff Ingledew, of Guisborough police, could not bear to see the dog go to kennels, so he took him home.

Father-of-two Sgt Ingledew said: "When we were out looking for the dog, we heard him start to bark and he sounded in distress, but thankfully he was checked over at the vet's and he is fit and well.

"There is no collar or chip on this dog, so we have no way of finding out who the owner is.

"He is living at home with me and my family at the moment, but obviously it is important we find the owner of Cliff."

The spaniel is described as extremely well trained and very friendly. It is mostly white, with brown ears and a brown patch near its tail.

Anyone with information should contact Redcar and Cleveland police on 01642-302626.