This is the moment dog Murphy was reunited with his owner after he fell almost 20ft down a mine shaft.

The Kerry Blue Terrier proved he had something of the famed luck of the Irish after tumbling down the shaft near Helston late yesterday afternoon and living to tell the tale.

Video: West Cornwall Search & Rescue Team

West Cornwall Search & Rescue Team was drafted in to help, carrying out the rescue on a farm near Manhay, on the A394 Helston to Falmouth road.

Team member Andrew Knights was winched down into the shaft to collect the stranded pooch.

Not everything went to plan, however, as Murphy initially decided he did want to finish exploring just yet and moved away into a partially collapsed area that was too small for Andrew to enter.

After some quick-thinking improvisation, however, both dog and rescuer were safely brought back up to the surface, where Murphy had plenty of tail wags for his relieved owner.

Falmouth Packet:

Photo: West Cornwall Search & Rescue Team

A West Cornwall Search & Rescue Team spokesperson said: “After consultation with Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service it was agreed that our technical rescue team would deal with the incident.

“Five members took our off-road ambulance across some very boggy ground that almost defeated us, but reached the shaft to be greeted by the encouraging sign of a barking dog.

“Murphy the Kerry Blue had dropped five to six metres into the shaft, so a single team member deployed to retrieve him.

“Unfortunately Murphy then continued further along a partially-collapsed stope, into a space that was too small for our team member to access.

“Improvising, adapting and overcoming, the team fashioned a 'dog hook' to snag Murphy's collar and he was safely loaded into a dumpy bag to be brought up to the surface and reunited with his owner.

“This was a quick and simple rescue thanks to all the hours of training that are put in by members through the year.”

Falmouth Packet:

Photo: West Cornwall Search & Rescue Team

All of the equipment used by the team is funded through donations. Currently the team is recruiting for new support team members, who would like to be involved in search and rescue but are maybe not so keen spending their night in a muddy field or dangling off a rope down a mine.

An open evening is taking place this Wednesday, March 11, at the team’s base at United Downs Industrial Estate, St Day from 7pm where people can find out more.

The support team volunteers will primarily be involved in fundraising and publicity events, but will also help the team function without actually getting involved in call-outs.

“We’re a busy team - the second busiest in the region last year - and rely entirely on voluntary donations to fund annual operating costs of £15,000 every year.

“If you can spare a few hours here or there to help with our busy schedule of events then we’d love to hear from you,” added the spokesperson.

The team can also be messaged via its contact page on its website westcornwallsar.co.uk