TWO men who risked their lives to rescue an elderly couple whose car plunged into a lake are to be honoured for their bravery.

James Garnett and Michael Bake, both from Darlington, were on a fishing trip last year when they witnessed the accident at Peberley Reservoir, near Sheffield.

They rushed to rescue the pair from the almost submerged car and, after breaking the rear window, pulled them to safety.

Paramedics treated the couple for hypothermia and shock.

They praised Mr Garnett and Mr Bake for their brave efforts.

As a result, Derbyshire Police's Chief Constable David Coleman recommended the men for a Royal Humane Society award.

Mr Garnett, who has been a member of Teesside Airport's ground staff for seven years, said: "I did what anyone else would do in the circumstances and was thrilled to see the old couple were safe and capable of a full recovery from their ordeal."

The men will receive the award at police headquarters, in Butterley Hall, Ripley, Derbyshire, on April 1.