A COLLIE living on the Three Peaks’ trail near Ingleton is becoming famous among locals for his aptitude in escapology and love of long walks with strangers.

Morris, a 13-year-old border collie-springer sp-aniel cross from the Old Hill Inn, Chapel-le-Dale, has escaped from the pub more than 30 times in the past six months, even returning by taxi when his owners are too busy to collect him.

For two years, Morris has taken to sneaking off from the pub and joining groups of walkers on their Three Peaks climbs.

At first it was just an occasional wandering, but over the past year he has “escaped” from the pub whenever a customer has left a door open.

Owner Sabina Martin, who runs the inn with chef husband Colin, said Morris would join groups of walkers making their way to Ingleborough or some-times along the paths to Clapham.

“Occasionally he has foll-owed them all the way to Horton-in-Ribblesdale and to the Penyghent café – a walk of five or more miles.

“He wanders between groups of people so it isn’t until he is quite a distance from the pub that people realise he is not actually with anyone.

“He has a name tag and phone number on his collar so when people can get a signal on their mobile phones they will ring us.

“I’ve had a few calls from the top of Ingleborough. I usually ask them where they are heading and if they would mind keeping Morris with them until they get to somewhere that we can reach in the car,” she said.

The couple have been at the Old Hill for nine years, and before that ran Moor-garth Hall guest house, in Ingleton.

When they are too busy to collect Morris they get Bentham Taxis to bring him home.

“We are fortunate that a lot of people know us and know Morris. They either recognise him or recognise his bark, and ring us to let us know.

“We do worry each time we realise he’s gone. It’s always a relief to get him back,” said Sabina.