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It is an unlikely pairing, but this rat was saved from drowning when a fat frog leaped to its rescue.

The frog appeared at the rat's side as it clung to some debris in the middle of a small pond on the outskirts of north Indian city Lucknow.

Unable to swim, the frog offered a helping hand allowing the rat to board his back before he swam to the safety of the shoreline.

Photographer Azam Husain watched as the two struck up an unlikely friendship.

(Image: Barcroft India)

Azam said: "I had parked my scooter on the shore near the pond. I noticed something floating and soon realised it was the rat holding onto some piece of debris.

"It was as if the two creatures were talking in their own way. The next moment, the rat managed to climb onto the back of the frog.

"All this happened very fast. I quickly reached for my bag and took out my camera."

(Image: Barcroft India)

The frog dived into the water with his new cargo on his back and slowly waded through the pond.

The snapper said: "I managed to take a few pictures. I was fascinated with the way the frog swam and the rat held on tight. They were like friends."

The frog carried the little rat all the way to the shore, offering him a new lease of life.

"Sadly, I could not catch the moment when the frog reached the shore and rat just sped away.

"I looked around for a bit but both the little creatures had just gone back to their world."