A team member at the scene at Hull Pot. Photo: CRO

A dog was seriously injured when he fell into a large pothole on the flanks of Pen-y-ghent in the Yorkshire Dales.

The Cave Rescue Organisation was alerted about 1.30pm on Sunday when the spaniel, Piper, fell 12m into Hull Pot.

Rescuers said the animal could be seen moving on the floor of the pot, a 90m-long and 18m-wide limestone chasm, reputed to be the largest natural hole in England.

A small number of team members descended into the pot and cared for the dog, which they suspected of suffering fractures in the incident. Piper was then placed on a Bell stretcher and hauled up to the surface.

A team spokesperson said: “The owner and dog were driven down to Horton in a CRO vehicle to enable them to attend the veterinary surgeon in Settle.

“We all hope that the dog will make a full recovery.”