A quick-thinking schoolboy was hailed a hero today after he saved the life of a five-year-old while on holiday in Spain.
Billy Leader, nine, of Bristol Close, Rayleigh, has been awarded a Royal Humane Society testimonial following the accident at a villa swimming pool last August.
The Humane Society citation revealed how the youngster sprung into action when a five-year-old, strapped in a pushchair, fell into the deep end of the pool.
The water at that point was nearly nine feet deep.
Billy immediately dived in and managed to get the pushchair back to the surface - and kept it there as he clung to the edge of the pool.
Other children raised the alarm with nearby adults who helped to get the push chair out of the water.
No date has yet been fixed for presentation of the award, but it is expected to take place in the near future.
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