The head of Hartford High School has praised his pupil Matthew Langridge after the dramatic rescue near the Blue Bridge in Hartford.

The drama began when Matthew, the national under-15s single sculls champion, was training with Northwich Rowing Club on Tuesday, September 8.

He had rowed up the river once and had just reached a large field near to the Blue Bridge.

Suddenly he saw an object floating in the water which he thought was a dog but then realised was a struggling man.

Matthew, aged 15, of London Road, told him to grab onto the oar but the man disappeared under the water.

Without a thought for his own safety, he jumped into the cold water, pulled the drowning man up and slowly swam with him to the side.

A passer-by helped Matthew to pull the man out and a coach from Northwich Rowing Club who arrived at the scene called the emergency services.

"The water was very cold but it wasn't as big a shock as I thought it would be," said Matthew modestly.

"I was worried about him, I was unsure what to do. But when he went under I realised I had to help him. There were strong currents but I didn't worry because I'm a strong swimmer."

"I did it without thinking. It was an automatic reaction."

Nayland Southorn, head of Hartford High School said: "Everyone is really proud of him. He was absolutely marvellous. He didn't give it a second thought.

"His sporting achievement is one thing but this is something completely different. It just shows the kind of person he is."

This isn't the first time a member of the Langridge family has saved someone's life.

For dad Steve was hailed a hero after pulling a woman out of the River Weaver in February 1995.

He had been jogging by the river and was alerted by the barking of his dog Bonnie.

Steve said: "It did bring memories back. One way or another both of us do spend a great deal of time time by the river.

"I think Matthew was very brave. I think it took a lot of courage to do that. It's a good job he is such a strong swimmer."

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