AN URGENT warning has been issued telling people to not risk their lives and stay away from frozen ponds.

People have been ignoring 'thin ice' signs and have ventured onto frozen ponds. Barnsley Council has received reports of fun seekers walking across Milton pond at Hoyland and Park Hill, Darfield.

The warning also applies to rivers and canals.

Parks officer David Gill said: "With the freezing conditions due to continue we urge people to remember the dangers of playing on frozen water.

“Most bodies of water are deeper than they look and carry undercurrents. If you are walking dogs please keep them under control near water and, if they get into difficulty, do not try to rescue them by going onto the ice. Phone the emergency services, who are prepared for such incidents.”