When out for a walk with your dog this winter make sure you avoid frozen bodies of water.

A number of cases of people attempting to rescue their animals from frozen ponds and lakes have cropped up in the news recently, and not all have ended happily.

Marc Greenhalgh from Manchester dived into a frozen lake in Alkrington Woods on New Year’s Day in an attempt to save his Cocker Spaniel, Jarvis.

Marc rescued Jarvis, who had leapt into the frozen lake after his dog had chased a group of ducks, but was in the near freezing water for 10 minutes. Fire crews expressed their amazement that Marc survived the conditions, which could easily be fatal.

At this time of year, and with the current artic conditions, emergency services are warning the public to avoid frozen water and insist that in these areas, that dogs are kept on leads.