A COURAGEOUS youngster is to be nominated for a bravery award after saving his friend's life.

Nine-year-old Shay Corrie and friend Jack Briggs, five, were left fighting for their lives after being hit by a truck yards from their homes.

Witnesses said they saw Shay hold his hand out in a plea for the wagon to stop, before throwing his arms around Jack to protect him as they were hit at the junction of Seaham Road and Queensway, in Houghton-le-Spring, Sunderland.

The driver of the truck was shaken but uninjured.

Now Jack's stepfather, Andrew Eddon, is to nominate Shay to receive a bravery award.

Mr Eddon said: "Shay saved Jack's life, eyewitnesses saw what he did. I am going to put his name forward for a bravery award. He deserves it."

Primary school pupil Jack suffered bruising to his brain and arms and had stitches in the back of his head. He was released from Newcastle General Hospital on Sunday afternoon.

Mr Eddon said: "He is alright but he is a bit dazed. He is drifting in and out of sleep.

"We are going to have a big disco when Shay gets out of hospital to give them a proper welcome home."

Shay has been detained in Newcastle General after he suffered serious head and neck injuries, which left him on a life support machine for two days.

His father, Steve, 45, said: "The hospital has been checking the pressure on his brain. He has also got neck injuries but we are still waiting for his neck x-ray.

"He still cannot remember being on the road, all he is bothered about is losing one of his Reebok trainers."

Mr Corrie described his son as a "lovely kid" who is very protective of his friends and family.

He said: "He saved Jack's life. The neighbours are calling him a little hero and say he saw the wagon and held his hand out to stop it and shielded Jack. He has been very brave.