A heroic local rescued a pensioner who slipped into a canal in China.

Passing residents witnessed the elderly man falling into the water in Xi'an, Shaanxi, on March 5.

This prompted them to take immediate action, with one of the rescuers - still wearing his backpack - retrieving the victim.

Footage captured by Mr Yuan shows the man carefully carrying the pensioner out of the knee-deep water while the rest of the group lifted him to safety.

The hapless individual appears seemingly paralysed, unable to move after the incident.

The rescuer said: 'When I went into the water, I completely forgot that I was still carrying a backpack. Nonetheless, I am grateful that I was able to help him.'

The victim was reportedly rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.