Melissa Laurie was dragged under the water and put into a terrifying death roll as the crocodile tried to drown the 28-year-old zoo keeper from Berkshire.

She only survived because her twin Georgia fought off the ten-foot predator by punching it repeatedly in the face as she dragged her sister to safety.

Now speaking for the first time Melissa told of her gratitude that she came out of the horrific ordeal.

And she praised for beloved sister for fighting off the beast to save her life.

In a short voice message from her hospital bed in the surfing resort of Puerto Escondido she told MailOnline: 'I am extremely grateful that I came out of this alive.

'And that I had Georgia fight my side for me.

'So I am very happy for that.'