Fire crews have pulled a teenage girl to safety after she became trapped in reeds in the River Stour.

Emergency services were called out at 8.30pm after she was seen in difficulties at a weir off Barton Mill Road, Canterbury.

Watch manager at Canterbury fire station, Mark Jones said: "We are not sure why she was in the river, but she was up to her waist in very cold water and had been so for at least 20 minutes before we arrived.

"Crews used waders to get into the water and were helped by a young friend of the girl to get her out, after which she was given care by paramedics because she was suffering from being in the cold water."

Watch manager Jones advised against anyone going into the river, even if it did not seem that deep.

He said: "There can be all sorts of hidden obstacles and obstructions and it is often much colder than expected. Our advice is to stay out of the water."