A cherished dog has survived thanks to quick-thinking drivers after he diced with death by running onto one of Norfolk's busiest roads

Eastern Daily Press: Family pet, two-year-old French Bulldog Terrier, Charlie, with best friend Laila. Commuters on the A47 helped to rescue the dog. Picture: KIRSTY LEGGATTFamily pet, two-year-old French Bulldog Terrier, Charlie, with best friend Laila. Commuters on the A47 helped to rescue the dog. Picture: KIRSTY LEGGATT (Image: Archant)

Charlie, a two-year-old French Bulldog Terrier, was walking his usual route with owner Kirsty Leggatt, in Moorgate, Dereham, when he found himself lost on the A47.

Despite running around the same spot since he was a pup, this was the first time Charlie had made his way onto the road.

Miss Leggatt, 30, of Waples Way, said: 'On this particular walk, [Charlie] went mad as soon as he got off the lead. He was very excited but he always comes back.

'After a while, he hadn't and I knew in my gut he wasn't going to either.

Eastern Daily Press: Family pet, two-year-old French Bulldog Terrier, Charlie, with best friend Laila. Commuters on the A47 helped to rescue the dog. Picture: KIRSTY LEGGATTFamily pet, two-year-old French Bulldog Terrier, Charlie, with best friend Laila. Commuters on the A47 helped to rescue the dog. Picture: KIRSTY LEGGATT (Image: Archant)

'I knew the A47 was nearby but if I thought he was ever in danger I would never have let him off his lead there.'

Miss Leggatt quickly made her way towards the main road, with her seven-year-old daughter Laila, and headed towards the Drayton Hall Lane junction.

'I prayed he had not been killed in an accident,' she said, 'but as I approached the road, I saw traffic was at a standstill.

'I warned Laila that Charlie might have been hit while really I was thinking about what I could wrap him up in if the worst had happened.'

Eastern Daily Press: Family pet, two-year-old French Bulldog Terrier, Charlie, with best friend Laila. Commuters on the A47 helped to rescue the dog. Picture: KIRSTY LEGGATTFamily pet, two-year-old French Bulldog Terrier, Charlie, with best friend Laila. Commuters on the A47 helped to rescue the dog. Picture: KIRSTY LEGGATT (Image: Archant)

Her fears were quickly alleviated though when she saw a heart-warming scene in front of her. Cars had stopped in the road and other drivers were slowing down and directing traffic, while some commuters left their vehicles to try and help catch Charlie.

'It is such a bad road but the people out there driving on it at that time had the judgment and common sense to slow down - and that was just a blessing.

'I did not expect to be bringing him home after that and I had to try and keep myself together for Laila.

'I can't thank everyone enough for their patience, kindness, and understanding. Because of them I was able to bring our family dog home - he is one of the family and Laila's best friend.'

Miss Leggatt took to social media to thank everyone who stopped to help and applied caution when driving in the area during the incident this morning (Tuesday October 2).

She added that she would be choosing a new walking spot for Charlie in the future. Meanwhile, Charlie has been relaxing in his dog bed following the ordeal.