Dog's lucky escape

HENRY the cross-retriever from Heathfield had a lucky escape when he plunged 140 feet from a clifftop and lived.

Henry had been enjoying a walk with owner Louise Chavannes, from Elm Way, when he spotted a seagull and gave chase.

Unfortunately Henry was on the Seven Sisters at the time, and when the seagull flew out to sea, so did Henry.

Fortunately for the four-year-old dog, though, the tide was in to break his fall.

The only injury to him was when Henry smashed his leg on a protruding rock halfway down.

Owner Louise said: It was a horrible moment when Henry went over the cliff. We were at one of the highest points of the Seven Sisters cliffs, near Birling Gap, at the time. I couldn t believe it when I looked over the edge and saw him swimming to the shore.

The retriever-spaniel was taken to High Croft Veterinary Group in Hailsham, where a metal plate and artificial tendons were put in Henry s front right leg.