A REMARKABLE dog could be in line for an RSPCA award, following an astonishing rescue act in the chilly waters of a canal.

Sam, a three-year-old yellow labrador retriever, left onlookers stunned after leaping into action to save the life of another dog that was seconds away from drowning.

Sam's proud owner Ronnie Hampson, 64, of Mavis Drive, Coppull, sad: "I love him." The dramatic incident took place on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, at Chorley.

Former miner Ronnie, a member of Coppull Anglers, was enjoying a day's fishing with Sam when the incident took place. A young couple had been walking along the bank with their two spaniels when one of the dogs went into the water after a duck and got into difficulties.

The man shouted for help from residents of nearby cottages and the owner of a canal boat -- and that's when sensational Sam dashed into action and launched the swim of his life.

"I said to Sam, 'go fetch it'," said Ronnie, in the hope something might happen.

"He jumped into the water and swam across to the dog and just grabbed it by the neck, ripped it out of the brambles and escorted it back. When they got halfway across, the other dog started to help itself and swim back.

"My dog got out and we lifted the other out."

Ronnie said there were a few tears of delight and claps of appreciation from folk on the bank who witnessed the amazing rescue.

Phyllis Atherton, 51, who lives in one of the cottages at Spencers Bridge, said: "Sam got hold of the dog's collar and pulled it free and they swam back. I nearly cried.

"It knew exactly what to do. It was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen."

Kevin Hegarty, regional press officer for the RSPCA, said: "It sounds like an astonishing story and it is fantastic this dog has done what it has done."