A DOG had a brush with death after being hit by a train at Adlington near Chorley -- and amazingly survived.

The black labrador-cross was picked up by the RSPCA after being hit by the train and required more than 100 stitches in a skin wound during a one-and-a-half hour emergency operation.

Catriona Shaw, a vet at Hillcrest Animal Hospital, Chorley, where the dog was taken, said: "He is extremely lucky to be alive. The wound was horrific. However, we were delighted and amazed to discover that his spine was not fractured.

"If it had been, we would have had no option other than to put it down."

RSPCA inspector Andy Kench and animal collection officer Greg Billington, went to the scene of the incident following a call from a track worker.

Andy said: "We did not hold out much hope for the animal but when we arrived he was sitting up and looking straight at us.

"To say we were amazed is an understatement."

Now the RSPCA is trying to trace the dog's owner. The elderly black labrador-cross had a grey patch around his mouth and was wearing an old leather collar with a chrome buckle and a standard flea collar.

The animal faces extensive nursing, but Catriona Shaw said he is responding well to treatment.

Anyone who knows the owner should contact the RSPCA on the 24-hour advice and cruelty number on 08705 555999.