Three heroes who rescued a drowning woman and her granddaughter from the sea at Clacton have picked up top awards.

Both senior beach patrol officer Ryan Carvey and seasonal waterfront warden Jamie Sacre were on duty at the town's West Beach when they heard screaming in the water.

The pair, who were employed by Tendring Council, were joined by holidaymaker Philip Ellison - who was in a rubber dinghy with his step-daughter - and swam over to help the woman and child. The casualties were both face down in the sea.

The men managed to get them safely back to the shore.

Nur Kaya, who was on a day trip from London, and granddaughter Safiye Eroglu, were airlifted to Colchester General Hospital. Paramedics carried out resuscitation at the scene and in the helicopter.

Both made a full recovery and thanked their rescuers for their efforts.

The rescuers were all nominated for Royal Humane Society awards by Robert Bradbrook, boat assistant at Clacton inshore lifeboat.

Mr Carvey, 20, of Eastcliff Avenue, Clacton, collected a testimonial on parchment and his council colleague Mr Sacre, also 20, of Oliver Close, Clacton, received a certificate of commendation. Mr Ellison, 29, of Eldred Avenue, Colchester, was also put forward for a certificate of commendation.

The ceremony was performed yesterday at the chairman's parlour at Clacton Town Hall. Unfortunately no-one was able to contact Mr Ellison and he did not attend.

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Published Tuesday, September 13, 2005

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