 He joined Rochdale on loan in November 2001 and moved to Blackpool on loan in March 2002, making just one first team appearance for Blackburn, in the League Cup that season.In November 2002, Dunning joined Torquay United on loan, scoring the first league goal of his career in the 3–1 win at home to Southend United, having replaced the injured Martin Gritton in the 5th minute of the game.In January 2003, he moved to Macclesfield Town on loan until the end of the season, when he was released by Blackburn.