A PENSIONER today told of her terror after she became trapped up to the waist in a muddy pond while trying to rescue her dog.

Jean Berry was forced to dial 999 on her mobile phone after struggling to free herself and was taken to hospital suffering from hypothermia.

The 66-year-old had slipped into a sitting position with her legs straight out, leaving her waist deep in heavy mud.

Police have since advised Lancashire County Council who own the land at Spring Wood, Whalley, that the pond is dangerous.

It has now been cordoned off and there are plans to drain out mud and silt.

Mrs Berry said: "I was terrified of letting go of the ground, I was at the side and hanging on but didn't dare move because I didn't know how deep it was.

"I was hoarse with shouting for help but there was no one else around.

"I was lucky because I had my mobile. I don't know how long I would have been in without my telephone."

Mrs Berry, of Blackstone Road, Chorley, was walking her dogs Toots and Titch in the wood, off Accrington Road, on Saturday when Toots tried to drink from a pond off one of the walkways.

The nine-year-old bichon frise became trapped and Mrs Berry rushed to help. After successfully throwing the dog to safety she fell and became lodged herself.

She said: "I have had both hips replaced and was worried about trying to pull myself out because my legs were weighted down with mud.

"I think if I had fallen on my stomach I probably would have panicked and it could have been worse.

"As it was I was felt a bit chesty and shivery on Sunday but am alright now.

"The emergency services were marvellous.

"The poor dogs got the raw deal though. They both stayed with me until the police, ambulance and firemen arrived then they had to go in custody at Clitheroe police station.

"They both had sore throats the next day so must have been barking and shouting a lot in there."

Chief Insp Pete Broome, of Blackburn Police, said: "This was a very worrying incident which could have developed into something potentially life threatening.

"But this is a wonderful example of the emergency services working well together after being alerted and we are in the process of ensuring nothing like this happens on the site again."

Firefighters arrived around 12.20pm and waded through the mud, which was about 2ft deep to free Mrs Berry.

She was then taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary where she was treated for hypothermia and later released.

She said the escapade has not put her off walking in Spring Wood, where there are no police records of any similar incidents, but said she will wait until it has rained next time to prevent a recurrence.

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said the pond had since been cordoned off. He added: "There are also plans in the near future to suck out the mud and silt from the pond so the water runs clear."