TWO New Year revellers turned heroes when they helped to rescue a woman who had jumped off a bridge into a freezing York river.

The unidentified woman, who is said to be local and aged in her 30s, jumped into the Foss from Foss Bridge, at the junction of Fossgate and Merchant Gate, at about 1.10am on New Year's Day.

The two male passers-by called the emergency services before helping the woman to the bank.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene and used specialist equipment to lift the woman out.

A spokeswoman said: "We received a report that a woman, who was possibly suicidal, had jumped into the River Foss.

"We used lines and a ladder to lower firefighters down and lift her out on a stretcher."

The woman was then taken to hospital suffering from "injuries induced by extreme cold".

Police spokesman Sergeant Colin Ventress today confirmed she had not suffered any lasting injuries in the incident.

"She was taken to hospital and checked out, and went home the same night. She is fine," he said.

Eyewitness Kelly Lindley, 19, who was visiting York from Huddersfield for New Year celebrations, said: "She was sitting on the bridge when we walked past and saying she had nothing to live for. Then she threw herself in.

"Everyone was saying swim to the side, which she did quite quickly. I'm just glad they got her out. It wasn't a very nice way to see the New Year in."

Another police spokesman said: "The two gentlemen did extremely well under very difficult circumstances.

"Their prompt actions helped get this woman from the river quickly and so prevented the situation from deteriorating."

* Are you one of the two mystery Good Samaritans? If so, or if you know who they are, please phone Evening Press reporter Richard Edwards on 01904 653051 or contact him by email using the link above.

Updated: 15:51 Wednesday, January 02, 2002