A youngster was today praised after he saved his baby brother from drowning.

Nathan Barham, who has just learnt to swim, gave no thought to his own safety as he plunged into deep water to rescue 17-month-old Jack, who had toppled in head first.

Then the eight-year-old, of Bull Lane, Rayleigh, calmly handed over his shocked brother to their dad.

The boys' grandmother, Pam Elcock, from Noak Bridge, Basildon, said: "We're all so proud of Nathan. He's only just received his tadpole certificate from school but he did so well."

Nathan and Jack were on holiday with their nan, and parents Samantha and Clive Longhurst in Cloyde Bay, Devon, when the accident happened.

Nathan was enjoying splashing around in the public swimming pool when his little brother came up to see what he was doing.

Clive called to Jack to warn him to keep away from the dangerous 5ft 5ins deep water but the toddler, thinking it was all a fun game, jumped straight in.

While the adults stood horrified Nathan came to the rescue.

Pam said: "I was standing there crying and just thinking 'oh, my God'. But Nathan got him to the edge and handed him to my son-in-law.

"Everyone started clapping and I think things like this should be recognised."

Luckily Jack wasn't hurt and has now fully recovered from the ordeal.

Brotherly love - Nathan and little Jack, both safe and sound after their swimming pool drama

Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

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