Mac in a sack: the dog is helped from his perch in the quarry. Photo: Aberdyfi SRT

A sheepdog stranded on a quarry ledge in Snowdonia was rescued after spending a night on the rockface.

Aberdyfi Search and Rescue Team was called out about 8.40pm on Thursday to help bring the dog Mac to safety.

He failed to return from sheep gathering earlier in the day and when he returned to the work area his owner was able to hear him on a ledge high on the quarry wall near Pennal, west of Machynlleth.

An Aberdyfi SRT spokesperson said: “To avoid unnecessary risk to team volunteers, the rescue was deferred until first thing the following morning, when 10 members of the team made their way up to the quarry.

“A rope system was created at the top of the quarry allowing a rescuer to be lowered down to the ledge where Mac was patiently waiting. He was loaded into a purpose-built bag, and the pair were lowered down to the quarry floor.

“Mac was unscathed by his adventure, and made his way directly to his grateful owner, pausing only for a quick detour back to his rescuer in the full knowledge that there were still biscuits in his pocket.”

Mac and rescuer Paul Aslin are lowered down to the quarry floor. Photo: Aberdyfi SRT

The rescue ended about 11am on Friday.

Team member Graham O’Hanlon, who co-ordinated the rescue, added: “Dog rescues provide an important training opportunity for the team to hone our technical rope rescue skills.

“As a team we rely heavily on the co-operation and forbearance of the farming community as we go about our duties, so it is always nice to be able to return the favour every now and then.”