TWO Bury men were hailed as heroes after rescuing a teenager who had plunged 40 feet into a lodge.

Emma Clarke, aged 13, of Fairlands Road, Bury fell from a disused quarry into the freezing water near Hassall Close, Walmersley, Bury last night.

A young boy ran to nearby Lowes Park Golf Club and raised the alarm.

Golfers John Kojder, aged 42, of Walmersley Road and Andy Lees, of Brandlesholme Road, rushed to the scene.

Mr Kojder who was having a drink after a round of golf said: "When I got to the lodge Andrew was already in the water with Emma who was crying.

"I have known her family for years and was able to calm her down by talking to her.

"Emma was at the side of the lodge holding on to a branch. Andrew had slipped into the water from the slope and was holding on to Emma. So I went round the other side and swam across.

"I was a little worried because I am not the greatest swimmer in the world and was struggling. I got to Emma and everything was a blur after that."

The girl was injured in the fall and the two men held her head above the water until the emergency services arrived.

Mr Kojder added: "She was really brave."

Both men suffered from hypothermia as a result of the rescue but declined hospital treatment.

Emma, who was with friends when the accident happened, was taken to Bury General Hospital with a badly bruised leg and hypothermia.

It is thought she had been in the water for about 40 minutes.

A police helicopter lit the scene as darkness fell.

Two fire engines attended and the Rossendale Mountain Rescue Team also turned out. Rescue lines were used with an inshore rescue boat to bring the girl to safety.

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