A lifelong friendship faced the ultimate test during a dramatic rescue off the coast of Leigh.

Neil Hawkins made the split-second decision to risk his own life when his friend, David McGill, nearly drowned off Bell Wharf in Leigh Old Town.

The pair were with friends and challenged themselves to swim to a boat anchored off the wharf.

Neil had reached the boat and was on his way back when he heard screams for help.

He turned to see 20-year-old David gasping for breath and going under. Without a thought for his own safety, exhausted Neil, doubled back.

Neil, 19, of Hornby Close, Westcliff, said: "I did think if I couldn't save him that would be the end - no more David."

He reached David, dragged him to the boat and then swam back to shore to raise the alarm.

David, of Blenheim Chase, Leigh, was reluctant at first to take up the swimming challenge but he and girlfriend Christine Meredith, 19, decided to take the plunge and jumped off Bell Wharf.

He said: "I got about three-quarters of the way out and I just called for Neil. At first he waved and said 'hello Dave' but I said I was in trouble and then he dragged me to the boat.

"I was scared and panicking so I was pretty happy he was there."

Neil, who works spraying wall-coatings on to houses, said: "His dad said thanks for saving him."

He added: "He was pulling me under the water at first. I tried to do what they tell you and get hold of him under the chin but in the end I just grabbed his hand and pulled him to the boat."

Southend Council's patrol boat, the Sidney Bates, picked up David and brought him back to shore where he was treated at the St John Ambulance station set up by Leigh Town Council.

After buying Neil a pint, David has now pledged to improve his swimming.

My hero - David McGill, left, with his saviour and best friend Neil Hawkins

Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

By Charlie Mellor

Reporter's e-mail: charlie.mellor@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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