A LUCKY Springer Spaniel escaped unscathed after it fell 30 feet down a mineshaft near Coniston.

Sixteen members of Coniston Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) were involved in the effort in the Coppermines Valley.

On January 14, a dog scrambled under a locked gate and fallen part way down a mineshaft.

After being alerted by Cumbria Police at 4.04pm, a full team call out was initiated and volunteers made their way to the fell.

Once on scene, the dog was located about 30 feet down and a team member lowered himself onto the level and placed the dog in a special harness.

The team member and the dog were hauled out and the unharmed dog was reunited with its owner

A spokesperson for Coniston MRT said: "The Coppermine’s are known for how dangerous they are, the team took every precaution to retrieve the dog safely."