A teenager had to be rescued from a pond after plunging into frozen water as ice cracked beneath her.

Now fire chiefs are warning fun seekers not to risk their lives, after the rescue in Tonbridge.

The 14-year-old, who was out with friends, had walked across a frozen pond in Darenth Avenue to retrieve her mobile phone.

She managed to get to an island in the middle of the pond when the ice started to crack and she was plunged into the frozen water, forcing her to cling to the roots of a tree.

A local, whose garden backed onto the pond, heard her screams and rushed to the aid of the stricken girl, throwing a rope to her and alerting emergency services.

Firefighters were called out shortly before 3.30pm yesterday, and put on dry suits and buoyancy aids while a rescue path - designed specially for water and mud rescues - was inflated.

Crews then pushed their way across the ice to reach the island and manage to lift the girl to safety. She was taken to hospital by ambulance crews believed to be suffering from hypothermia and shock.

Watch manager Martin Rowland, said: "While ice can appear thick enough to support a person's weight, it can give way very easily.

"This girl was very lucky, the water is extremely cold and she was obviously very upset and frightened, but the consequences of her escapade could have been tragic."

Martin added: "I would ask all parents to remind their children how dangerous it can be venturing on ice, its very hard to judge, it may look safe but it isn't so don't attempt to walk or stand on it."

For more information on fire safety log onto www.kent.fire-uk.org