HEROES Stephen Flint (right) and Andy Reeves have received Royal Humane Society Awards for their part in the rescue of a drowning man off Watchet.

The pair swam out to rescue the man after he got into difficulties in the town's harbour.

They dragged him to safety and gave him CPR until emergency rescue crews arrived at the scene.

The men were honoured for their bravery by High Sheriff of Somerset John Alvis and Avon and Somerset Constabulary's deputy chief constable Rob Beckley at an awards ceremony in Taunton.

A police spokesman said: "They saw the male floating face down in the water, approximately 50 yards from the steps.

They both then entered the water, which was out of their depth, and pulled the male out.

"He was barely breathing and smelt strongly of alcohol.

"It is clear that Andy and Stephen's courageous actions on this night undoubtedly saved the man's life."

The man spent three days in hospital and later made a full recovery.