A RACEHORSE trainer waded into fast-flowing food water to rescue four horses after the River Ure burst its banks in the Yorkshire Dales. 

Trainer and former jockey Andy Crook waded into water that was up to his armpits to help the horses stranded near Middleham, in North Yorkshire.

The horses were safely behind an electric fence out of the reach of the water.

But it is believed they ran out into the flood water after one of the animals, a small pony, became spooked and the others followed.

Volunteers from Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team, together with firefighters and police, initially attended but were worried they may scare the animals into a more dangerous position and so stood down.

However, Mr Crook, together with his daughters and friend Mark Weston, decided to act amid concerns the river water could rise.

Despite standing only 5ft 2in he waded into the water and led one of the horses to safety. 

The other two larger animals then followed, while the smaller animal was led to safety by another rescuer, having to swim through the deeper water.

Mr Crook, who in 2003 trained the winner of the Scottish Grand National and has a yard near Middleham, said he had heard about the incident from Facebook and came down to see if he could help as the horses belonged to friends of his.

"We think something spooked the little one and the others followed. We didn't want to risk leaving them there.

"The Swaledale rescue team said the river water had reached its peak but we were worried there might be rain up dale and the river would rise again."

Mr Crook said the water had been fast flowing and he had had to cling to the horse at point so he was not washed away.

SMRT confirmed it had been called to the scene by the fire service.

A spokesman said: As part of a pre-planned response the team attended to provide extra water safety for the fire and rescue serice water teams.#

"After initial assessment and consultation it was decided to leave the animals as water levels were dropping and the risk of scaring them into a more dangerous position was possible."