The owners of a sheepdog which fell 30ft down a disused mine shaft while herding livestock have praised firefighters involved in the two-hour rescue operation.

Tess the sheepdog was rounding up sheep at Middlelands, Cresselly, when she plunged into the hole.

"She followed the sheep into a wooded area," said owner Mary Jenkins, of Market Gate Farm.

"My husband Clive went after her and came across this hole. Nobody knew that it was there. He thought a sheep might have fallen in, but then realised that Tess had gone down.

"He couldn't see into the shaft and thought she had really hurt herself. He was also worried that she could fall further.

"We didn't know what was down there it was so black and Tess wasn't making a sound."

Mr Jenkins dialled 999 and fire crews from Pembroke Dock and Milford Haven were tasked to the scene.

They cordoned off the area, and then realised the top of the shaft was overhanging and could collapse and bury Tess.

A firefighter was lowered down and was winched back up the shaft with the plucky dog in his arms.

"I was worried," said Mary. "Nobody knew how dangerous the situation was.

"We are so grateful to the firefighters, especially the rescue officer who went down into the shaft to rescue her and bring her out alive," said Mary.

"Without these brave men rescues like this would not be possible. They put their lives at risk and more should be done to acknowledge their work and their dedication to the job.

"For what they did on Saturday we will be forever grateful."

5:59pm Saturday 17th May 2008

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