A WOMAN from Hartford wants to thank her 'knights in shining armour' after a routine trip to the bank almost ended in tragedy.

Sixty-year-old Jackie Acklam was left unable to move next to the River Weaver after falling and hitting her head on a concrete platform.

Jackie, who has recently undergone a hip replacement operation, caught her foot in a hole behind a kerbstone and fell through a gap between a wall and a barrier in Weaver Way.

She was badly winded and thinks she may have lost consciousness close to the river'sedge.

Jackie said: "When I recovered my breath, I found I could not move my arms and legs and I lay there for what seemed quite some time, invisible to passers by on the roadway."

However, a driver on Town Bridge heard Jackie's cries for help and called an ambulance, before putting his coat around her.

Another passer-by then saw her and also offered assistance.

Jackie was on her way to the HSBC bank at the time the incident happened last Wednesday afternoon and she was carrying a substantial amount of money.

The money and a cheque for £1,600 fell into the river.

Following the accident, Jackie is in a great deal of pain but she said it could have been much worse without the men's help.

She said: "They literally saved my life. I dread to think what would have happened if they hadn't been there."

The first man is described as being in his 30s with dark hair and a moustache.

The second man is described as being in his 50s and was accompanied by a young boy, about 12 years old.

Jackie said: "This shows very clearly the inadequate state of protection afforded to people along this river front and the lack of life buoys."

It is not clear who is responsible for the maintenance of the barrier but a spokesman for Cheshire County Council said they would investigate the situation.

gsproston@guardiangrp.co.uk