A NEWTON Abbot family whose dog was rescued by Brixham Coastguard earlier this year is putting on a fundraiser to say thank you for their work.

Maralyn and Hugh Sidebottom, of Newton Abbot, were Labrador breeders for over 40 years, taking their pedigree dogs to shows across the country.

However, one Fox Red Labrador captured the family’s heart.

‘We bred him but loved him too much,’ said Maralyn.

‘He’s called Ernie because when he was born, his mum snapped his chord too close to his stomach and caused a hernia – he came back fighting fit, but in the meantime, the name Ernie stuck and my son Matt decided he wanted to keep him!’

In January, Ernie’s life took another unpredictable turn, when Matt was walking Ernie on Roundham Head in Paignton.

Maralyn said: ‘Ernie’s very well behaved usually, but he had a funny five minutes, and he jumped up on the wall, saw the water below and must have fancied a swim because he tried to scramble down and instantly fell off the cliff and into the water.

‘He landed into the water, and managed to drag himself to a ledge, but he was trapped between two rocks and he just couldn’t move to try to even scramble back up. It was dark, about 7.30pm.’

The emergency services were called and Brixham Coastguard Rescue Team responded in 20 minutes.

‘They set everything up, they could see him, one of the coastguards went over and got to him and put him in this big red bag, but they couldn’t get him back up the cliff so they got the Torbay Coast Guard involved as well.

‘They took him back into Paignton Harbour, he was terrified, but the coastguards fell in love with him, and were taking pictures of him and things.’

Ernie was then rushed off to Moorgate Vets in Bovey Tracey.

Maralyn said: ‘They had two vets working for three hours to look after him.

‘He didn’t have any internal injuries but he was very scratched and bruised, but a week later he was back to his normal self!’

Now, Maralyn and her family want to pay the Brixham Coastguards back for their work.

Now running Humaryn Shet-

land Pony Centre in Holne, Dartmoor, Maralyn has organised a fundraiser event on June 3 at the stables.

Pony rides will be on offer all day, with all proceeds going to the Brixham Coastguard.

Ernie will be in attendance, as will Toby, the coastguard who went over the cliff to save him.

‘It’ll be a little reunion,’ Maralyn added.

‘We’d love people to book a ride to raise some money, but if they would like, they can just come along for the day and justice what we do and enjoy the event!’

► There will be rides to book for £20 at 10am, 12pm and 2pm, with all proceeds going to the coastguard.

► To book or find out more, ring Maralyn on 07703 278927