A Rushden man, Nicholas Claridge, was presented with a testimonial parchment on Monday by chairman of East Northants District Council, Cllr Fred Carress, for saving the life of an eight-year-old schoolboy,

Mr Claridge, who lives at 30 Queen Street, Rushden, swam 75 yards to save Philip Dakin, who was floating face down in the river, at Ander-by Creek, Alford, Lincs, in July last year.

The parchment was presented on behalf of the Royal Humane Society before the full East Northants District Council meeting.

After he had recovered, Philip, who lives in Sleaford, Lines, from the water, Mr Claridge used artificial resuscitation to help him, breathe and saved his life.