'Driver' aged three in pond drama

Gordon Stronach managed to rescue Hayden Hay

A three-year-old boy who managed to start a car was rescued just before it crashed into a pond.

Hayden Hay started the Nissan Micra after climbing into the driver's seat while his child seat was being fixed at Cooper Park, in Elgin, Moray.

His mother's boyfriend, Gordon Stronach, pulled him to safety just in time, on Monday afternoon.

Mr Stronach said: "The car took off but I managed to get him out. The ducks got more than they were expecting."

'He's fine'

Joiner Mr Stronach, 19, of Huntly, had left the keys in the ignition while he was trying to fix the car seat.

The car rolled into the pond after the engine was started

He told the BBC Scotland news website: "He was complaining about the straps in the car seat, so I took him out and was sorting it.

"But the keys were in the ignition, he turned the keys and the car was in gear.

"I jumped out and got him, but I could not stop the car."

He added: "He's fine, in fact he's telling all his friends about it.

"I think he's quite proud."

The car was taken to a garage after being removed by a tow truck from the pond.

It appeared to have escaped damage despite being in the water.