A MINIATURE Yorkshire Terrier out for a morning constitutional was happily unaware that his life was under threat.

Yet, from high in the sky above, a red kite had decided the tiny dog could be lunch.

With frightening speed and using its impressive wing span, the magnificent fork-tailed hunter swooped.

And it would have claimed its prey had it not been for the swift intervention of owner John Skilton, who scooped the small dog, Charlie, into his arms and fended off the attack.

His wife Jackie said it has left her husband in shock, especially as he had only just put Charlie back onto the lead to negotiate the road home.

While the dog had been "shaken but unhurt", had he still been loose Mrs Skilton believes they would have lost him to the kite.

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.