LIFE-SAVING Indian restaurant staff rescued a young woman from the freezing waters of a canal.

Police praised the workers for their alertness prompt action at 3.50am yesterday.

The staff from the Raj Indian Cuisine and Lounge, in Bolton Road, Blackburn spotted the 21-year-old in the Leeds Liverpool Canal behind the restaurant.

They rushed to her aid and pulled her out and called for an ambulance.

By breakfast time she was recovering from hypothermia and talking in the Royal Blackburn Hospital, police said.

Inspector John Fryer said: "We were alerted by ambulance staff to an incident behind the Raj Restaurant in Bolton Road at 3.50am yesterday.

"A 21-year-old woman had been found unconscious in the canal behind it by staff.

"They pulled her out of freezing cold water and call the emergency service.

"She was taken to hospital suffering from hypothermia.

"The restaurant staff acted very bravely and quickly to get her out.

"They saved her life in last night's freezing weather conditions.

"I am pleased to report that she is now recovering in the Royal Blackburn Hospital and talking to staff.

"She had a lucky escape due to the restaurant staff's alertness in spotting her and prompt action in getting her out of very cold water."