A GROUP of selfless Good Samaritans have been honoured for their roles in the rescue of a baby whose pushchair was blown off Watchet Harbour and into the sea last January.

Dockmaster George Reeder, coastguard Simon Bale, psychiatric nurse Tanya Allen and boatowners Shaun Anning and Steve Yeandle have all received Royal Humane Society Awards for their part in the rescue of six month old Samuel Cooper-Stevens.

Samuel was strapped into his pushchair when it tumbled into the icy water.

Mr Anning and Mr Yeandle pulled Mr Reeder from the water after he jumped into the "cold and choppy sea" to rescue the baby, while Mrs Allen and Mr Bale resuscitated Samuel.

Mr Reeder said: "I'm just glad to have been there at the right time in the right place."

Mr Bale, Mr Reeder and Mrs Allen received their awards from the High Sheriff of Somerset Richard Lloyd at a special ceremony held to honour police officers, police staff and members of the public.

Mr Anning and Mr Yeandle were unable to attend the ceremony, which took pace at Dillington House, Ilminster, last week.

Mr Lloyd said: "It's incredible to hear the variety of the citations; the quick-thinking, hard work and bravery of officers and members of the public.

"Of all my jobs as High Sheriff, the most rewarding and humbling is to give awards like these."

Awards were made for examples of persistent and notable hard work, as well as for lifesaving acts across the county.

Mr Bale said he was honoured to receive the award and said many local people had helped Sam that day.

"I'm so pleased that this rescue had a happy ending," he said.

l PCSO Susan Marks received an Angela Yeoman Award for her work within the Hinkley Point Policing Team, particularly her road safety work with local schools.

And PC Claire Griffiths received a commendation for restraining a drink-driver at Buncombe Hill in the Quantock Hills.

She had spotted him slumped over the wheel of a car while she was off-duty and had to use force to detain him until other officers arrived.