A DOG is lucky to be alive after two trains gound to a halt to allow the animal running across the tracks to pass safely.

The trains, travelling in opposite directions, were minutes away from Wickford train station when the dog was said to have been spotted standing in the middle of the tracks.

Both drivers reacted quickly and were able to stop the trains in time to let the dog cross.

Greater Anglia were happy to hear about their drivers’ actions to save the animal.

A spokesman for the company said: “We are very proud of our drivers who avoided hitting a dog in the Wickford area on September 20.

“Our drivers do their best to avoid hitting animals when they stray onto the line.

“In this instance, the dog was unharmed and the two trains were five minutes late as a result.”