'WE went from viewing a property to saving a life in one day', a heroic couple from West Devon this week told the Times.

Rachel and Andy Hobbs from Horsebridge thought they would be undertaking a typical house viewing near Lewdown, but the day unfolded into the rescue of a famous children's author, who said she was lucky to be alive thanks to the quick thinking of the couple.

Babette Cole, who wrote Doctor Dog, was left bloody, bruised and semi-conscious after a terrifying attack by a herd of cows.

Rachel and her husband Andy had been to view a property in Portgate and afterwards had gone to inspect the land attached to the property.

'There had been another lady (Babette) viewing the property at the same time as us and when we were outside looking at the land, we believed the lady had gone to walk her dog.

'Within five minutes Andy said that the cows were stampeding and then a little dog came running towards us.'

Rachel said she knew something was wrong and instantly feared for the woman's safety.

'I am first aid trained and I went to check the lady was OK and Andy stayed with the dog.

'I assumed she would have jumped in to a hedge but the cows were stamping on the ground and I was horrified to find that the woman was curled up like a foetus covered in blood.

'I was very anxious that we needed to get her away from the cows but without putting anyone else in danger as the young calves only looked to be a day old.'

After climbing under the gate Andy and Rachel called the ambulance service.

Babette was taken to intensive care in Derriford Hospital by air ambulance and treated for her injuries.

Rachel said Babette was recovering well but she wanted to use the incident as a way to raise awareness of the dangers associated with cattle and how protective they are over their young calves.

'I want this to be a warning for people to be vigilant when walking past a herd of cows.

'A lot of people wouldn't know to avoid cows and their young calves if they weren't experienced with livestock.

'I would always be cautious around cows and I want everyone to realise the dangers.

'The cows were young beef cattle and were very large, not your typical dairy cows.

'Everyone needs to be careful, especially as we live in a rural area.

'People seem to respect bulls but cows can be more dangerous especially as a cow will always protect a young calf.

'Moral of the story is don't walk in a field with cows in!'