A DOG with wanderlust had drivers on full alert when he decided to take the Metrolink route to freedom - not by tram but by following the track.

Eleven-year-old mongrel Benji, owned by Mrs Sue Hopwood, disappeared from their Cobden Street home in Radcliffe and set off along the tram track towards Prestwich.

It was the first time he had disappeared from home and Mrs Hopwood phoned the police.

"My husband and son Daniel were frantic as he had been missing for 24 hours," she said.

After hours of searching, Bury dog wardens found Benji on his way to Heaton Park.

Warden Mrs Joyce Riley said: "He got on the line at Radcliffe and just kept going. He caused havoc on the tracks as all the tram drivers had to be alerted."

She added: "We eventually found him at Heaton Park Metrolink Station. It took about eight maintenance workers to track him down and save him."

After his adventure Benji is now safe and sound at home with his family.

"It was quite an adventure for him but we are just so pleased to have him home, as we thought the worst," said Mrs Hopwood.

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