A MAN who waded through waist deep flood water to rescue four horses has been hailed a hero by their grateful owner.

As the waters rose through fields skirting Malton Road in Pickering last Tuesday, Angela Sykes, who lives in the area, was desperately worried as her thoroughbred animals became trapped by the rising tide.

News of her plight reached her friend Jeremy Corkell, who quickly donned his wellies and borrowed a horsebox from his boss, Tim Easterby, to come to her aid.

"The area was hopelessly flooded and the horses were becoming more and more distressed, " she said.

"The water was rising so rapidly but Jeremy was brilliant and he waded right across the field to the animals.

"I don't know what I would have done without his help - they could have easily got stuck and drowned."

Despite the high praise, stable lad Jeremy, who lives in Marton, remains modest about his rescue efforts.

He said: "The water was above my waist but thankfully when I got to the marooned horses they were easy to catch.

"I have horses of my own and others at my yard at Aislaby and if I was in a similar situation I know Angela would have done the same for me."