A 12-YEAR-OLD girl has been hailed a hero after rescuing a boy from the bottom of a swimming pool.

Sarah Laville was at the baths in Guisborough, east Cleveland, when she saw the boy lying at the bottom of the pool's deep end.

She swam to the bottom of the pool and dragged the boy to the surface, where she and a friend got him out of the water.

After hearing Sarah's calls for help, two pool lifeguards were able to revive him.

The boy was taken to hospital in Middlesbrough and is understood to have made a full recovery.

An investigation has been launched by officials from the pool and they have promised a review of their safety policy.

Speaking at the family's home in Guisborough, Sarah's father, Dave, said: "We're very proud of her as she kept so calm and saved a boy's life, even though she is only 12."