A WOMAN told how she dived into a frozen York lake to save her drowning dog.

Loretta Spyers-Ashby said she would not recommend her actions to others, despite braving the freezing waters of Rawcliffe Lake to rescue her miniature schnauzer Riber, who fell through the ice after running on to the lake.

But she said she could not stand by and watch Riber die.

She said the dog fell through the ice after chasing ducks which she spotted on the lake.

“I turned round and saw her running across the ice and the next thing I knew the ice broke and she went in to the water,” she said.

“I phoned 999 and explained the situation.”

Mrs Spyers-Ashby, 40, said she decided to jump into the lake fully clothed when she saw police arriving and realised they would not allow her to rescue Riber, who after 15 minutes in the icy water was beginning to struggle.

Finding a buoyancy aid on the bank, she persuaded two nearby workmen to hold the rope while she swam ten metres to rescue her pet.

“I decided to take the plunge because Riber had been in the water for about 15 minutes and was making a noise I had never heard and I thought if I don’t go in I’m going to watch her die.

“The water was really cold. I just grabbed Riber and the two men pulled me back. One of them took Riber and the other pulled me out of the water.

“I really want to thank those two men. I couldn’t have done it without them and I wouldn’t have done it without them. They tried to persuade me not to go in, but there was no way I was going to let her die.”

Both dog and owner are now recovering at home and two-year-old Riber is no worse for her ordeal.

Despite the successful rescue, a spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: “It is important to be aware of the dangers posed by water and frozen lakes and ponds during the current adverse weather conditions.

“We would advise people to avoid treading on iced-over bodies of water at all costs. If there is an emergency dial 999 and wait for assistance.

“Even if ice looks thick, please don’t take any unnecessary risks and don’t let dogs or children play on frozen ponds, even if they appear safe.