Two cocker spaniel dogs were rescued today by a Hampshire man who jumped into a frozen river when they fell through ice.

Owner Linda Collins had been walking her pets, Jasper, two, and one-year-old Chino at a nature area when Jasper walked onto the frozen surface and fell through the ice.

Chino then jumped in after Jasper.

Mrs Collins immediately phoned a Ranger at the popular along the Hilsea Lines in Portsmouth, then dialled 999 and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service operators told her not to enter the water herself.

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Meanwhile former Royal Navy serviceman Steve Williams was walking a dog on the opposite bank and jumped in to save the animals.

''The ice was an inch or more thick, so I had to use my elbows to break through to reach the dogs,'' he explained.

Mr Williams quickly managed to reach the dogs and bring them to safety unhurt.

Jasper and Chino were then taken to a local vet.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman Kevin Oxlade said: ''It is important to remember that entering cold or frozen water can be extremely dangerous.

''Mr Williams received full naval training in cold water while serving on (the ice patrol ship) HMS Endurance with the Royal Navy and therefore felt confident in entering the water.

''However, cold water quickly saps your strength and even strong, able swimmers could find themselves in trouble.''