LIFE-saving volunteers who rescued a man from a river have been given an award for their efforts.

Three members of the Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade (TVLB) were involved in the rescue of a man who was clinging to a perry buoy in the River Tyne in July 2016.

Captain Dan Reed, Section Leader Gareth Conroy and Rescue Team Member David Collis have now been given prestigious Certificates of Commendation from the President of the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS UK)-the UK’s Drowning Prevention Charity.

The man, who was reportedly under the influence of alcohol and drugs, was already suffering the effects of hypothermia and it is believed had been in the water for up to an hour.

The team carried out the rescue at St Peter's Basin in Newcastle and Mr Conroy has to swim 30m in the dark to get to the casualty before pulling him back to the pontoon.

A spokesperson for the Royal Life Saving Society said: “There is no doubt that due to the deteriorating condition of the casualty and because this incident took place during the hours of darkness, had the team not acted when they did, this incident could have well ended very differently”.

The Brigade was also presented with the Agnes Gray Memorial Award for Lifesaving, in recognition of the exceptional work carried out by the team.

TVLB Captain, Dan Reed said, “I’m honoured to accept both of these awards. It is great that the hard work of the team is recognised by organisations such as the Royal Life Saving Society. The vigorous training and dedication of all our members ensures we can help people in need along our coastline and rivers”.