Rosie, who was scared by a firework on 3 November, walked into Loughborough Police Station the same day.

The dog’s owners, Steve and Julie Harper, said that the 10-year old ran away at about 4pm after being startled by the noise of the firework.

It happened while Mr Harper, 68, was walking Rosie and their other dog – Laser – at Southfields Park in the town.

“She went and stood with her dad, which she does when she is nervous, and then skedaddled [when the firework went off],” said Mrs Harper, 61.

“She pushed herself through a hedge and handed herself in to the police station. The police station is right next to the park.”

Mrs Harper said her husband was “really upset” but that as he was returning home she received a call to say that Rosie had been found.

“I was so pleased and so happy she was safe and so proud of her that she was clever enough to find her way to the police station,” she said.

CCTV footage shows the moment the border collie arrived in the waiting room.