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A 75-year-old has said he owes his life to two boys who pulled him to safety after he got trapped in thick mud while walking along a river bank.

Gareth Parry-Jones was walking his dog, Bitsy, along the River Clwyd in Rhyl, Denbighshire, when he became trapped.

Fearing the tide was coming in, Gareth, an experienced sea-angler and boat owner, said: "I thought, ‘that’s it, grim reaper here I come’."

However, his cries for help were heard by two boys, aged about 12, who pulled him to safety.

Gareth said when he got stuck he "fell over trying to get out".

Unable to reach his mobile phone in a rucksack on his back, he began desperately calling for help as Bitsy loyally stayed by his side as the waters rose.

His shouts caught the attention of the boys, who came to his rescue.

"I threw the lead to the lads and they dug in and pulled.. told them to take their time and the little one said: 'Don't worry mate, we'll get you out'.

"I’ll never forget that – I said take your time,” he said, adding that it took about 30 minutes for them to pull him free.

Without the assistance of the two boys, Gareth has no doubt he would not have survived, with the "river and sea meeting".

Having made it safely home, Gareth used social media to find out who his two young rescuers were.

While one is away on holiday, he has met with the other, giving him a watch each for the pair, as well as some money.

He hopes to meet both of the boys soon to thank them together.

Pat Salmon, from HM Coastguard, said mud could "be difficult to spot, even for the most experienced coastal user".

He added: "We would advise people not to struggle to free themselves. Instead, try to sit down and spread your weight to avoid sinking further.

"Whilst we commend rescuers for their bravery, we strongly recommend that people do not head out onto mud to assist, as they can also become stuck."