It takes 20 firefighters to rescue Raz!

Raz the Jack Russell cross' plight began when he disappeared down the pipe at 4.30pm last Thursday. Nancy Archer, who was looking after him while his owner Gillian Rubi of Mount Pleasant Road was in Mexico, contacted the Council's park ranger Nick Hennessy for help.

Nick tried to coax Raz out with some food but to no avail.

He sought advice from Council dog warden Stewart Bryant, Bruce Dowling from Onyx and the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.

All agreed Raz was more than likely to emerge in his own good time, but when at 6.30pm he had still not found his way out firefighters from Bohemia Road, Battle and Lewes were called back to dig up the pipe.

Specialist sounding equipment was drafted in to detect where Raz was in the pipe. The area was cordoned off while firefighters listened in.

Several holes were dug and an electric breaker used to crack into the drainage pipe. As the search continued firefighters came across a badger, who had made his home in the pipe network.

Tim Hills from the Badger Protection Society helped the team stick to strict rules protecting badgers and their setts.

The use of power tools was restricted and the rescuers had to switch to hand tools when working within five metres of the badger.

Meanwhile Raz appeared to be doing his best to thwart the dogmatic firefighters by crawling away from the team, as they got nearer.

Finally, some eight hours later at 12.30am, Raz was brought out safe and sound.

The council is now planning to cover the entrance to the pipe to prevent other animals getting inside.