A MAN who saved two girls from drowning in a fast-flowing river has been praised for his life-saving action.

But the hero of the rescue in the River Nidd, at Knaresborough, was too modest to speak publicly about his actions.

Maintenance worker Tony Broadbelt, 59, was working at the Lido Caravan Park, Knaresborough, when a shop owner raised the alarm after seeing three girls struggling to stay afloat in the river.

Mr Broadbelt dived into the river and swam with two of the girls to safety. A third girl managed to struggle to the riverbank before running off.

Mr Broadbelt was helped in the rescue by an unknown passer-by, who disappeared after the drama.

A member of the caravan park staff gave first aid until an ambulance arrived to take one of the rescued girls to Harrogate District Hospital for treatment for shock.

Ian Mitchell, managing director of the Lido Caravan Park, said they were very proud of what Mr Broadbelt had done. "It was very lucky he was there, and that a tragedy was averted," he said.

The three girls, who were not staying at the caravan park, had reached a sandy riverbank via a public footpath and decided to go for a swim but got into difficulties in the swollen waters.

The incident came as North Yorkshire Police issued a warning to youngsters to stay away from rivers and lakes because of unseen dangers and strong currents.