A SPECIAL constable has been praised after rescuing a teenager who had gone over the top of a weir and was trapped in dangerous currents.

Steve Linfoot was with his two young sons at Chester-le-Street's Riverside park at about 3.30pm when he spotted PC Mark McGregor attempting unsuccessfully to throw a lifebelt to 13-year-old Daniel Brettle.

Special Constable Linfoot, who has served with the force for about a year, waded into the river, reaching a point about half way between the river bank and the boat from which he was able to throw the lifebelt to the youngster and pull him to safety.

Mr Linfoot, 32, said: "The dinghy had drifted along the river and gone over the top of the weir, which has a four foot drop.

"It wasn't going anywhere as it was being held by a strong back current.

"I know the river quite well as I've fished it regularly and was aware it has strong undercurrents. The dinghy was filling with water and there was the risk that the teenager might fall out and be dragged under." He added: "My local knowledge proved useful as I knew there was a beam running under the water about four yards out. I was able to walk along the beam part of the way to keep a firm footing.

"I didn't think twice about wading out as I knew I wasn't in danger myself."

Daniel's mother, Justine Brettle, of Newfield, near Pelton, said: "I'm very grateful to the officer for rescuing Daniel. He was really shaken up by what happened and says he never wants to go on a boat again.

"We had just bought the dinghy on Friday and he'd had a great time in the sea.

"His stepfather, who is a qualified diver, and I had warned him about the river, but he seems to have ignored us and learned his lesson the hard way.