TWO dogs were rescued after being found running around on the hard shoulder of the motorway.

Police officers are now appealing for the public’s help to try and reunite the Labradors with their owner.

North West Motorway Police were called to the M66, between junction one for Ramsbottom and junction two for Bury this morning by a motorist.

He told them he had found the two dogs on the hard shoulder and had managed to coax the dogs into his car.

He then placed a call to the police while he waited for officers to arrive.

Police contacted a vet who checked the dogs but they had no identification and were not microchipped and the dogs are now being cared for.

The man has been praised for his quick-thinking in preventing a potential accident.

PC Helen Millington, from NW Motorway Police said: “The member of the public was concerned if he hadn’t stopped they could get into the carriageway.

“He could have prevented an accident. They could have run into the carriageway and it could have been fatal for them or members of the public.It is a great job he has done.”

Officers are now appealing to anyone who may know the dogs to get in touch.

PC Millington said: “They are not chipped and I am hoping with the picture we can find the owner.

“It might be somebody who is at at work at the moment and when they go home they will realise.

“I am quite hopeful we will find them.”

Anyone with information should call GMP on 101 and quote log 446 of March 14.