The 87-year-old had been reported missing by his family after he failed to return from a walk.

At the same time, Monty, a two-year-old Italian Spinone, was on a walk with owners Nick Mead and Kate Malby, together with fellow dog Harvey, on the Downs near Steyning, when he ran off.

The Sussex Police helicopter, together with officers on the ground, had been searching for the man for some time.

Speaking exclusively to the Herald, Nick, 34, of Tanyard Lane, Steyning said: "The chopper was flying over for a while, probably about one-and-a-half, two hours. I came across someone who said this old man was missing."

Nick was looking for missing Monty when he came across the pensioner, who had fallen and slipped down a bank.

He said: "If Monty hadn't run off I wouldn't have found him. He was inbetween the upper and lower horseshoes. The man heard me and I head him calling, so I ran to him."

Nick checked the man for broken bones and made sure his neck and head weren't injured before trying to help him up, while partner Kate, a doctor, ran to Steyning police station and guided officers to the scene.

The police helicopter landed in a nearby field and officers carried the man to it, where he was taken to the helipad at Shoreham Airport before going to Worthing Hospital in an ambulance.

Nick said: "I don't think anyone would have found him if it hadn't been for the dog. From something bad came something very good, thankfully. All in all, it turned out quite well in the end.

"Coincidences," he added. "Lucky ones, I think."

Sergeant Carolyn Kendall, of Steyning police, said the man had been left soaked by two downpours and there was a danger he would not have survived the night if he had not been found, adding police owed a huge debt of gratitude to Nick and Kate.

But what of Monty, the runaway dog? As the drama unfolded, he continued to roam freely, unaware his actions had led to the discovery of the missing man.

Harvey, on the other hand, stayed close to Nick throughout.
Monty was spotted by neighbours returning home and finding nobody in, before Nick eventually caught up with him.

"We found him in the park," said Nick. "We decided Monty was a lost and found dog and Harvey was a search and rescue dog."

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