A DAY boating on the River Ouse turned into a rescue mission for Karl Morris - when he dived in to save a dog.

Karl, 23, of Copmanthorpe, was cruising with his partner Rebecca Leeder, her son Rhys and friends between Scarborough Bridge and Clifton Bridge in York, when he spotted a woman screaming on the bank after her terrier-like pooch had slipped into the river.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Karl, who works at Innova Kitchens in Sherburn in Elmet, leapt into the freezing water to save the animal.

“We just saw this woman and I immediately thought she was trying to get us to swerve around the dog so we didn’t hit it,” said Karl. "But then we realised the dog was in danger, so I stopped the boat and dived in, eventually getting it to safety. Rhys was laughing all through the rescue, he thought it was hilarious.”

The owner, who wished to remain anonymous, said she was very grateful for Karl’s actions.