A WHITEHILL woman praised the emergency services and mobile phone technology after she was saved from possible drowning on the Longmoor Ranges.

Nikki Cookson was walking her dogs on the Ranges when one of them took off in pursuit of a deer.

This led her to venture away from the beaten path in search of her dog which, in turn, saw her get stuck at the edge of water near Range Two, having not seen the danger sign.

Mrs Cookson said that she was “terrified” when she lost her footing and disappeared into the water.

“There are big clumps of grass, so you couldn’t actually see where the water was, unless you stepped into it,” she said.

Because her legs were stuck, she quickly realised she was “in big trouble”.

Coming to the conclusion that she could not pull herself out, she phoned her husband Peter who left work to come to her aid. But he discovered that he would not be able to get her out safely alone and dialled 999.

A Hampshire Fire and Rescue spokesman said the service sent out three appliances, from Fareham, Cosham and Petersfield - one of which was a specialist engine for this type of rescue.

“The emergency services were amazing, they were unbelievable and got there so quickly,” Mrs Cookson said. “I can’t praise them enough. We’re very, very lucky to have that sort of service.”

Following her ordeal, she urged people using the Ranges to tell someone where they were going and, above all, to always remember their mobile phone.

“After being in the water for an hour, I was so cold,” she said. “If I didn’t have my mobile, they’d still be out looking for me now.

“There’s no way Pete would have found me. I’ll never forget it again.”

While aware that stepping away from the paths was a danger - one which is signposted - she said it was an extraordinary set of circumstances that meant she ended up in the perilous situation. After being pulled to safety, she was treated by ambulance staff and later sent home to warm up.