A BOY who was rescued after sinking into mud while fishing in a pond says he has learned his lesson about the dangers of playing near water.

The Northern Echo reported this week how five police officers formed a human chain to haul 11-year-old Timothy Rabot to safety after he became trapped up to his waist in a quagmire near Tanfield Lea, Stanley, County Durham.

Timothy, of Tantobie, who is a pupil at Durham School, went to the pond with friends and neighbours Charlotte, 11, and nine-year-old Dominique Skelton to fish with his net.

When he got into difficulties, Charlotte, who was on her horse Star, rode home to raise the alarm, while Dominique stayed with him.

Timothy's father, Brian, went to the scene and phoned for help when he was unable to free him.

Five officers from Stanley police station arrived and formed a human chain to support PC Chris Little, who waded into the mud to pull Timothy free.

He was shocked but unharmed, and returned home with his father.

His mother, Diane, 40, who teaches computing at Durham High School for Girls, said: "He has learned his lesson about the dangers from water.

"We live in a rural area and Timothy loves nature -frogs, birds, butterflies, anything like that. When he saw the pond, it was too big a temptation to resist."

Mr Rabot, 43, who teaches health and safety, said: "He has been grounded for a week, but we think he has learned about the dangers of water."

Timothy said: "I'll be more careful in future, I've promised the police and my mum and dad that."

A police spokesman said the incident highlighted the risks youngsters face if they play near any water.