Quick-thinking Michael Hale dramatically rescued his friend from the sea after his arm was paralysed by a jellyfish sting.

A group of friends were playing in the water off Dovercourt beach when 14-year-old Alex Warnes's arm went numb and he could not swim.

While some shouted and panicked Michael, 14, put his life-saving skills to the test and dived into action.

Michael's mum Jeanette, of Ray Avenue, Dovercourt, said: "They all swam out to the lighthouse at high tide and then started to swim back. Michael was walking onto the shore when he heard his three friends shouting and he thought they were messing about.

"But Alex had been stung by a jellyfish and his arm was paralysed. His friends just panicked and did not know what to do."

But Michael, a former member of Dovercourt Swimming Club, swam out to Alex and made him roll onto his back and kick his legs while Michael led him ashore.

Modest Michael, who goes to the Harwich School with Alex, said: "Alex was screaming and my friends were shocked. The jellyfish stung him and his arm hurt so he could not swim. I just brought him to the shore."

Alex's mum Kim, of Arderne Close, Dovercourt, said: "It's put him off going in the sea for a little while - certainly going that far out."

A spokesman for Thames Coastguard said: "Well done to the lad for rescuing his mate and keeping a level head in a tricky situation.

"Though I would say in these sort of situations it's best to contact the emergency services so that we can get someone down there."

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