The fire brigade has warned people to stay off frozen ponds and lakes after a boy plunged through ice in the Midlands.
Emergency services were called to Sutton Park in Sutton Coldfield where a boy, believed to be aged 15, had apparently tried to walk on the frozen surface of a large pool of water.
After falling through the ice he managed to escape the icy water and reach an island about 30 metres from the shore, but was suffering from the cold.
Fire crews from Sutton Coldfield, Erdington and Perry Barr were sent to the park, along with the police and ambulance service.
They were able to rescue the boy using an inflatable raft, and he was taken to hospital.
A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: "This incident is a very timely reminder about the need for us all to stay safe and sensible in these very cold weather conditions.
"As sturdy as it might look, there is no way of knowing the thickness of ice on pools, lakes and other waterways.
"Please stay off it, and make sure that any children you know are aware of the dangers.
"People who put themselves at risk by venturing on to ice also endanger the lives of anyone who might have to rescue them.
"We're also urging dog owners to keep them on leads, so that they and their pets don't get into difficulties."
Snow has continued to fall over parts of south Wales and South West England overnight, but the end of the cold snap is in sight.
Weather will get milder at the weekend, however melting snow coupled with rainfall could lead to flooding.
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