WHEN Buster the dog went walkies he sparked a major rescue operation.

The 15-month-old pup got trapped between some railings after escaping from the back garden of owner Michael Glaiser's home in Parkfield Road, Bolton.

Animal rescue workers failed to budge him so they called in the experts -- four firefighters from Bolton Central fire station -- who managed to free the puppy prisoner.

Jenny Taylor, action officer at Bolton Metro's Dog Control Unit, was on patrol when she found Buster trapped in a set of railings near their offices in Weston Street.

Dog warden Gail Paton, who was called to help, said: "He was getting a bit upset and we were worried about the glass. We knew we had to get help as soon as possible."

Leading fireman Martin Rowe, firefighters Martin Brocklehurst and Neil Epplestone and driver Trevor Foulkes were soon on the scene.

Mr Rowe said: "We used spreading gear to prise the railings apart so we could life him out.

Dog Control Unit staff initially christened Buster, who was not tagged, as "Welly" because of his big feet and in honour of fire service mascot Wellyphant.

But less than two hours after he went missing, his worried owner turned up to claim him.

Michael, aged 20, an electrician for Wigan Council, said: "It's a relief to get him back. He's very energetic but I'll be making sure the gate's locked in future."

TEAM work: Buster the dog with new pals, from left, Gail Paton, Martin Brocklehurst, Michael Glaister, Neil Eppleston, Jenny Taylor and Martin Rowe