IT was a situation to get even a vicar hot under the collar but fortunately for a former Tavistock cleric a company in Milton Abbot was the answer to his prayers. The Rev Michael Brierley, previous priest-in-charge of Tavistock, was caught short last weekend while visiting his old patch in West Devon to take a service, after he forgot his dog-collar! Michael, who in March left the area to become the Canon Precentor of Worcester Cathedral, felt perhaps a little naked without this small, but familiar part of his clerical vestments. Not to be defeated, he contacted The Empty Box Company in Milton Abbot. The company was only too delighted to iron out the problem and fashion a make-shift dog-collar from the white acid-free board used to make their wedding dress boxes and hat boxes. James Teague, managing director of The Empty Box Company, said: 'We have been asked to undertake all sorts of projects recently including displays for Harrods, hat boxes for the 2014 film "Paddington", a wig box for television series Eastenders but never a dog-collar. 'It took a bit of working out as the shape is rather unusual. Michael drafted a design and we were only too happy to oblige.'