A WOMAN whose grandchild nearly drowned in the town's canal wants to thank three good Samaritans who came to the rescue.

Tiny tot Alexandra Reilly was feeding ducks in Vines Park when she fell into the icy water.

The 18-month-old had been visiting her grandmother, Christina Woodall, of Wensleydale, with her mum, Tracey Reilly, and her four-year-old brother, Richard.

The family moved from Wychbold to Brixham, in Devon, this year.

On a trip into town last Tuesday, the children fed the ducks from a bridge.

While Mrs Woodall popped to buy bread, mum Tracey stayed, gripping her toddler's hand to keep her at a safe distance from the wide bridge rails.

But the surface was slimy and Tracey slipped -- losing her hold on little Alexandra who fell between the rails straight into Droitwich Canal.

Mrs Woodall told the Advertiser: "Despite injuring her leg, Tracey got up, dived into the water and grabbed Alexandra.

"The water was up to her neck and she began to struggle to get out.

"Fortunately, just before I returned, two women and a postman came along and helped.

"I dread to think what could have happened without them.

"Although I don't know who they are, I wish to express my most sincere thanks for their kindness."

Shivering Alexandra was taken to Ronkswood Hospital, in Worcester, where medics said she was in good shape despite her ordeal.

Now Mrs Woodall wants the bridge made safe.

"The consequences of what happened could have been much worse. It's too awful to think about.

"The bridge is not safe for young children and the elderly to use -- it wouldn't take much to add a few extra rails," she said.

Wychavon District Council is responsible for the park but Droitwich Canals Trust maintains the bridges. No-one from the trust was available for comment as the Advertiser went to press.

l Were you one of the good Samaritans? Call our reporter on (01905) 795097.