A holidaymaker launched a risky rescue operation to save a dog perched six feet down a 320ft cliff face.

Derek Shaw jumped into action to free the border collie during his walk along the clifftop at Cromer, north Norfolk, with his wife Ann, 53.

Mr Shaw dangled over the cliff edge to pull the pet - who had been missing for 21 hours - to safety, while tourist Beverley Sallis clung onto his legs to stop him from falling.

The dog stood up on its six inch wide ledge, allowing Mr Shaw to grab its collar and drag it to safety near the Royal Cromer Golf Club.

The black and white sheepdog, who had ran off on Monday after being frightened by a German Shepherd, was then reunited with its owner.

The lorry driver, 54, of Leicester, said: 'We looked over the edge and saw this dog about 6ft down.

'I grabbed its collar and pulled it back up to safety.

'We called 101 who put us in touch with the dog warden, who contacted the owner.

'It was really nice reuniting them both.

'The dog knew straight away and got really excited.'

The dog, named Millie, is thought to have spent all night on the terrifying cliff edge before it was finally rescued yesterday.

Mr Shaw was alerted to Millie when people on the beach below frantically shouted that the dog was stuck.

Photographer Mrs Sallis, 59, of Tamworth, Staffs, who was walking with her husband Ashley, said she was thrilled to help Mr Shaw.

She said: 'We helped by grabbing Derek's ankles as he pulled the dog up.'

Millie's owner Bobby Baker, 24, of Marsham, Norfolk, and his girlfriend Laurel Bowes, 19, of Ashill, were delighted to be reunited with the dog.

Miss Bowes said: 'I just started crying when she came back.

'Her face when she saw me was just so lovely. I offered Derek money but he wouldn't take it and we can't thank everyone enough for the support in finding her.'