The jack russell was rescued unharmed from the shaft. Photo: Aberglaslyn MRT

Mountain rescuers came to the aid of a dog owner after her animal found itself in a hole.

A woman and her teenage son were walking their jack russell on the hills near Blaenau Ffestiniog on Wednesday when their pet disappeared down an old mineshaft.

Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team was called out about 8.15pm and members went to the scene at Cwmorthin above Tanygrisiau, where the dog had plunged 9m (30ft) down the disused shaft.

A team spokesperson said: “They could hear their dog barking but were unable to gain access to help, therefore they called for mountain rescue for assistance.

“Aberglaslyn MRT, assisted by South Snowdonia MRT team members, responded to the call and set up a rope system to lower a team member down the hole.”

The terrier was retrieved from the hole unharmed and returned to its owners.