BATHURST Pool in Lydney had an unusual visitor on Monday (July 10) – a beagle called Rafferty.

The dog escaped from his home on Lydney Park Estate and made his way to the pool.

Rafferty and two other beagles, Georgie and Lola, were being looked after by Ethan Wilson while his parents were away.

Ethan, who had just returned from travelling around India on his motorbike said; “I heard a noise outside at about 10.30am and found the two female beagles outside, but Rafferty had disappeared.

“I spent about an hour searching for him up in the woods.”

Bob Berryman, who runs Bathurst Pool with a team of volunteers, said: “The first I knew of it was when the dog strolled downstairs from the store room and wandered out towards the pool.

“Fortunately Rachel Bate, who runs Rachel’s Rambling Rovers dog-walking and day boarding had popped in for a swim before we opened to the public. She managed to catch the dog and put him on a lead.

Rachel added: “I was just finishing my swim and I got called over. I keep leads and dog crates in the van, so it was easy to drive the dog to Sundean vets in Lydney. He was micro-copped, so I drove him home and waited.”

Ethan added; “While I was searching for Rafferty, my sister had contacted the vet and luckily was able to come home to find him. My parents are on holiday and we’re looking after their dogs while they are away.”