Heartwarming footage shows the moment a dog was rescued by firefighters after she fell into a freezing canal while chasing ducks.

The hapless pooch, named Bella, became trapped after plunging through the ice near Greadier Street, in Willenhall, West Mids., on Thursday (19/1).

The owner tried to rescue her pet but was forced to retreated because of the sub-zero temperatures and fire crews attended the scene at 10.50am.

A total of 18 firefighters initially tried to use a ladder to rescue Bella before using an inflatable device to bring her safely back to dry land.

Video footage captured the moment the dog was plucked from the icy waterway and reunited with her relieved owner who can be heard saying: "Hi baby, good girl."

The owner and dog were wrapped in foil blankets and warmed up in the back of a fire engine before crews left the scene at 12.25pm.

Mark Cundy, watch commander at Bloxwich Community Fire Station, shared footage of the rescue and said both dog and owner were doing well following their ordeal.

He said: "A great team effort from all mentioned crews using an inflatable ice path and Bella was pulled to safety.

"Owner and dog are both well. Great effort by all!"

A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: "Keep your pup safe in winter weather. Avoid frozen rivers, lakes, ponds and canals.

"If your dog gets stranded on ice, or falls into freezing water, never go in after them. Inland, seek help from the fire service by dialling 999 or 112."