A rescue dog has been hailed a hero after saving the life of a toddler who was choking by waking up the girl's sleeping mother.

Rufus the dog alerted Emily Gunnion when her 21-month-daughter Betsy began choking on her own vomit at their home in Moss, Macclesfield.

The labrador and springer spaniel cross began barking and tugging on the arm of Ms Gunnion, who was sleeping in another room.

Rescue dog Rufus saved 21-month-old Betsy Gunnion's life after she began choking at home in Moss, Macclesfield

The dog alerted Betsy's mother Emily (pictured centre with Betsy and Rufus) who was sleeping in another room

Ms Gunnion said she woke up realising something was wrong and ran over to Betsy's bed in time to clear her throat.

The cafe manager said she had been up all night looking after Betsy, who was suffering with a stomach bug.

She said Rufus, who she had only been fostering for a matter of days at the time of the incident, was a 'lifesaver'.

Ms Gunnion said: 'Rufus saved Betsy, he was amazing. I was so tired after being up with her and didn't know what was going on.

'Rufus alerted me. He got half on the bed and was scratching at me and barking. I knew something was wrong.

'Betsy was lying on her back being sick and choking, making horrible noises. I was so panicked but picked her up and she was sick properly and was okay.

Ms Gunnion said she woke up realising something was wrong and ran over to Betsy's bed in time to clear her throat

Toddler Betsy had been suffering from a stomach bug at the time of the incident

'Rufus is so clever, he sensed something was wrong. I dread to think what would have happened if he hadn't been there.'

Ms Gunnion has volunteered for Labradors in Need, which finds homes for rescued labradors, for some time, but Rufus is the first dog she has fostered.

Despite his act of heroism, Ms Gunnion said that she is sadly unable to keep him.

She said: 'Rufus feels like part of the family already and I'd love to keep him but I have two dogs and can't really. I really hope he finds a nice home.

'He had a broken leg in the past which did not heal right, which means his leg is misshapen, but it doesn't slow him down. He's a fantastic dog, playful and happy.

'He and Betsy are best of friends but we will have to let him go to his forever home.

'Labradors in Need is a fantastic charity and there are lots of things people can do to help. Fostering dogs is such a worthwhile thing to do. Rufus has shown how amazing rescue dogs can be.'