TIPSY the black Labrador has been living up to his name - he got his head stuck in a feeding flap attached to his kennel.

The mischievous dog was rescued by firefighters after staff at Southampton council's Warren Avenue Kennels in Shirley Warren found their canine chum in a tight spot.

Upon being freed by a Redbridge fire crew using spanners and a screwdriver to dismantle the flap, Tipsy slurped his way through a huge pot of water before retiring back to his kennel for forty winks.

For Carol Bolton, manager of Warren Avenue Kennels, Tipsy has always been a barking mad dog.

She said: "We've had him here for around three weeks and he's always up to something he shouldn't be. I don't know how he thought he was going to get his head through a hole only slightly bigger than his feeding tray.

"He wasn't bothered about all the fuss he'd caused. I think he has a medical problem which has left him with an under developed mind. It's a real shame because he is a very friendly dog and would make a great pet for someone. His owners haven't claimed him yet and we have the right to re-house any dog if it's not claimed within seven days.

"He's certainly getting a lot of tender, loving care while he's with us."

Leading firefighter Alan Parsons, based at Redbridge fire station, who assisted during the unusual animal rescue, said: "Tipsy was very docile and he never acted as though he was in any pain while we worked to free him.

"He certainly had a good drink afterwards - I've never seen a dog lap up water so fast!

"I can see why he's so popular at the kennels."

On a serious note, staff at Warren Avenue Kennels are warning dog owners to tag their dogs when leaving them for friends or relatives to look after when away on holiday to ensure they can be returned safely if they escape.

Anyone whose dog goes missing can phone Warren Avenue Kennels on 023 8051 0065.