Man is dog's best friend

A man was hailed as a dog's best friend after he rescued his stranded pet from a frozen lake in Alkrington Woods, Middleton.

Marc Greenhalgh, 25, has been awarded by an animal charity for wading into the icy water after the ice had cracked underneath his cocker spaniel.

Mr Greenhalgh will receive the Hero to Animals Award from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Europe.

PETA Director Robbie LeBlanc said: "The bravery, determination and compassion that Marc Greenhalgh showed in saving the life of his beloved dog, Jarvis, is an inspiration to others throughout the community and beyond.

"In this case, you could reverse the old saying, 'A dog is a man's best friend', because Marc Greenhalgh proved beyond a doubt that he is a dog's best friend."

Mr Greenhalgh said that he didn't think about what he was doing at the time and just wanted to rescue his pet but Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has issued a warning for people to keep away from icy waters, saying that Mr Greenhalgh was lucky to survive.