Kemp safe in the care of his rescuers. Photo: OVMRO

Rescuers in Snowdonia responded to a farmer’s appeal for help to retrieve his sheepdog from a crag.

Kemp had been out with his owner when he became stuck and scared on a small ledge on steep ground near the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation’s base.

The farmer, from the Gwern Gof Isaf farm and campsite was out gathering his flocks on Wednesday when Kemp took a shortcut, ending up on London Crag, a rocky outcrop with a perilous drop below it. The animal was unable to retrace his steps.

Hero Douglas of OVMRO said: “The farmer, realising his dog was not only trapped, but also that his life was in danger should he try to continue up or down, decided to call on the team for help.

“The team were delighted to be of service as the farmer regularly lets them train on the crags on his farm and so they were able to not only return the favour but also put their training to good use.

“Six members were deployed to the top of the crag and then the team leader scrambled down 5m to secure Kemp and put him in a harness. He was then hauled up on to safe terrain.

“Once he realised he was out of danger Kemp wagged his tail with gratitude.”

Kemp was returned to a grateful owner at the farm, who promptly wrote a cheque to the team in appreciation of their help.

Ms Douglas said the incident followed a fairly quiet few weeks for the team’s volunteers.