A FORMER Wiltshire council boss and his daughter braved chilly waters to be rescued by a 14 stone dog to raise money in memory of wife and mother Penny Batten

George Batten, a former corporate highways director, and his daughter Helen King, 37, joined others raising money for the Forever Friends Appeal of the Royal United Hospital, Bath, with an unusual challenge.

They were at Portishead to be saved from drowning by Chewey a 14 stone Newfoundland Dog that is trained in water rescue.

Mrs Batten from Devizes died three years ago aged 63 after suffering from cancer and being treated at the Royal United Hospital.

Mr Batten, 65, said: "I love all water sports so this was an ideal challenge for me. Penny would have loved it too. I am a very keen swimmer and surfer.

"Penny received excellent care in Bath so we want to support the appeal for the hospital's new cancer unit.

"The dogs are amazing. They are so strong and powerful. The only downside was the dog breath close to your face and they are a bit slobbery."

The dogs are put through their paces each week at Cotswold Water Park when they arrive with their lifeguards for rigorous training exercises.

Mr Batten said: "This involves intensive shore work and practicing the famous dog jumping rescues: launching 14 stone dogs in to the air from a fast moving speedboat.

"These skills were put to great effect in Portishead when Chewey dived in to the water and swam to rescue us before gathering us up and towing them back to the safety of the shore.

“ It was amazing to see Chewey in close action. From the moment that he dived from the speedboat in to the water his entire focus was on getting us back to shore. The skill and swimming power of the dog was awesome and it was a privilege to be with a working dog who clearly loved doing what he was doing.”