A madcap swimming expedition by Clyde the dog has prompted his master and mistress to join a coastal safety charity.

Eastern Daily Press: Clyde the dog with Happisburgh Coastwatch volunteers, back left to right, Roy Speed, Gareth Pritchard, Brian Thorogood, George Marsden, Jacqueline Middleton, Fred Rendell, Paul Hayter, Jacqui Robertson, John Golby, Stuart Yeomans. Front, Clyde's owners John and Louise Brooks.Picture: ANTONY KELLYClyde the dog with Happisburgh Coastwatch volunteers, back left to right, Roy Speed, Gareth Pritchard, Brian Thorogood, George Marsden, Jacqueline Middleton, Fred Rendell, Paul Hayter, Jacqui Robertson, John Golby, Stuart Yeomans. Front, Clyde's owners John and Louise Brooks.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2014)

And now they are appealing for funds to help Happisburgh Coastwatch with its lifesaving work.

Clyde was rescued by the Happisburgh Lifeboat crew in October when he went chasing into the sea after a flock of seagulls.

His owners, Louise and John Brooks, wanted to show their appreciation for the help they were given and have signed up for Happisburgh Coastwatch, whose volunteer members act as lookouts in case people or vessels are in trouble on the beach, clifftops or at sea.

Clyde, a six-year-old Italian Spinone, weighing almost seven stone, has now become coastwatch's mascot and has his own lifejacket.

But the group, which receives no government funding, needs nearly £10,000 to install electricity at the new hut it has just moved into at Cart Gap.

Its old hut, off Blacksmith's Lane, had become too close to the edge of Happisburgh's eroding cliffs.

Volunteers, who man coastwatch 365 days a year, need power for light, heat and in order to keep in touch with emergency services, including HM Coastguard and local lifeboats.

They are temporarily making do with a generator.

Coastwatch volunteers were poised to summon Happisburgh Lifeboat on the day of Clyde's escapade, but Mrs Brooks, 45, who lives in the village, rang for help first.

'He was just a dot on the horizon and we thought he would end up in difficulties,' she recalled.

Since the incident, she said Clyde had been under 'strict verbal instructions' not to go into the sea and was put on a lead if there were tempting gulls about.

Happisburgh Coastwatch, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year, has about 20 volunteers who man the hut from dawn to dusk.

They spot about four or five incidents a year and these have included a dog falling off a cliff, a man suspected of having fallen from a cliff, a yacht which seemed to have no-one on board, and a dive boat which could not be contacted.

? Anyone who would like to make a donation can do so online via Happisburgh Coastwatch's Just Giving page, or send a cheque, payable to Happisburgh Coastwatch, to 64 Rivermead, Stalham, NR12 9PJ.