A PENSIONER was rescued from a river in Bishop Auckland today after a Good Samaritan jumped in to save her.

The 67-year-old woman was pulled from the river, near to the town’s golf club, at about 12.30pm.

Police, fire brigade and ambulance crews were called to the incident at about noon, just minutes after the woman’s husband had reported her missing at Bishop Auckland Police Station.

Inspector Andy Reeves, of Bishop Auckland police, said a special water-born rescue team transported the woman to safety after the Good Samaritan, who wanted to remain anonymous, had kept her afloat for about 40 minutes.

He also praised another officer, PC Paul Canvin, who was the first on site and waded into the muddy waters to help the pair.

“PC Canvin did an absolutely brilliant job and on seeing them battled his way through the bushy terrain, stripped off his protective equipment, and jumped into the river to help out which then allowed the other male member of the public to cut some of the reeds away so they could free her,” he said.

It is not understood why the pensioner was in the river but Insp Reeves confirmed she has mental health issues and was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital where her condition is said to be stable.

The Good Samaritan refused medical attention and made his own way back to his car.

Insp Reeves added: “It’s been an excellent job despite the distressing circumstances for those involved but there’s been some really good work between the police, fire brigade and ambulance services.”