A dog who was trapped 40ft inside a rabbit hole for 33 hours is back at home after an incredible rescue mission to save him.

Seven-year-old Norman disappeared at Heaton Park on Sunday morning sparking a massive search operation to find him.

Owner Adam Yates, who lives in Prestwich, says the Patterdale Terrier was a rescue dog who had previously been ill-treated and used for badger baiting.

Adam’s eldest daughter Molly, 21, put an appeal on Facebook for help to find Norman which was shared almost 5,000 times.

Credit: MEN Syndication

Dozens of people from all over the region turned up at Heaton Park to join the search – but by closing time on Sunday, he was still nowhere to be seen.

That night I couldn’t sleep. The park shut and we had to leave him, it was horrible, we were all in tears. Adam Yates, owner

First thing Monday morning they were back at the park armed with shovels.

I walked around time and time again, but kept going back to this small hole by some trees. It was smaller than him, but I just had this feeling, so I got a shovel and just started digging. Adam Yates

Adam was told to get in touch with the Fell and Moorland Working Terrier Club after being told the RSPCA and the fire brigade were unable to help.

With the help of a tracker, Norman was located, 40ft inside the rabbit hole.

Norman was located 33 hours later Credit: MEN Syndication

He just popped his head out, I welled up in tears. He was still stuck though, the hole was too small for him and he was never going to get out on his own. We really want to thank everyone for their support and coming along to join the search. It really was incredible. Adam Yates