A COVETED medal for gallantry has been presented to a lifeboat helmsman for his outstanding “courage and dedication” rescuing a man who had gone into the sea to try to save his dog.

Rudi Barman, 36, repeatedly manoeuvred the RNLI inshore lifeboat in near gale force conditions off the coast at Scarborough to reach local man Andrew McGeown who had got into difficulties when he went in to rescue his dog.

The crew eventually managed to reach Mr McGeown and attempt to resuscitate him but he did not survive.

The Bronze Medal for Gallantry is a prestigious award, the last one was presented to the town’s lifeboat volunteers in 1973.

RNLI Operations Director, George Rawlinson, said: "It took exceptional boat-handling skill, leadership and bravery for Rudi, along with his crew, to attempt to rescue Mr McGeown in confused seas, at night and close to a dangerous shore.

"Although this rescue was marked by tragedy, it is a testament to their team work and tenacity that they did everything they could to reach the casualty and bring him ashore.

"I’d like to thank Rudi, his lifeboat crew and shore crew for their courage and dedication.

"I’d also like to recognise and thank their families and community who support the station’s volunteers, our charity couldn’t do its lifesaving work without their support and I appreciate their help and commitment."

Mr Barman said: "It is a great honour to receive this award and I feel very proud to be a part of Scarborough lifeboat crew and the RNLI.

"This was a difficult rescue in very challenging conditions and we did everything we possibly could for Andrew so we were all devastated we were unable to save him.

"It was a huge effort from all those involved and a real tragedy he did not survive.

"Andrew was known personally by many of the crew and his loss was felt across the whole town. My thoughts are with his family and friends at what I’m sure is still a very difficult time for them."

Crew members Craig Burnett, 45, Adam Beston, 30, Dr Peter Billingsley, 48, and Jason Hedges, 29, were all given Framed Letters of Thanks for their part in the rescue.

Mr McGeown’s family and friends are now working with the RNLI to create a legacy fund in Andrew’s memory.