COMMUNITY heroes George Reeder and Tanya Allen who helped save the life of a six-month-old baby have received a public thank you for their selfless actions.

Sam Cooper-Stevens was left floating face-down in the Bristol Channel after his pushchair was blown off Watchet's West Pier in a freak accident.

Marina dockmaster George, 63, jumped in the water to rescue him and Tanya, a psychiatric nurse, carried out cardiopulmonary resuscitation to revive him.

And this week the pair were presented with special awards to mark their courage and their quick thinking.

Watchet Town Council wasted no time in honouring the local heroes and on Monday - just over a fortnight after the traumatic event which Sam survived unscathed - George and Tanya were presented with engraved wooden shields.

At the council's monthly meeting on Monday chairman Cllr Sally de Renzy-Martin described the accident as an extraordinary event.

And she said the whole of West Somerset - and beyond - had been inspired by the response.

"A lot of people were involved on the day but the two prime people were George and Tanya," said Cllr de Renzy-Martin.

"Their actions were incredible and did save Sam's life."

And it emerged that West Somerset Council had also been intending to honour the pair.

Its chairman Cllr Doug Ross told Monday's meeting that the authority had been considering making a presentation until it heard of the town council's award.

But Cllr Ross said it was more appropriate for the town council to do so as the event had taken place in Watchet.

But he said the district authority intended to mark George and Tanya's achievements by giving them framed photographs of this week's presentation.

"I want to express my admiration for this very brave deed," said Cllr Ross.

"It is almost a miracle that a child's life was saved.

"It is very fortunate that George went in to rescue him and Tanya was able to help bring him round.

"But I cannot say I am surprised because that is what we are like in West Somerset - we help each other and we step in where necessary.

"We are tremendously admiring of George's bravery and Tanya's skill."

Meanwhile, Cllr de Renzy-Martin urged as many people as possible to support a fundraising drive launched by Sam's uncle to boost the funds of the regional air ambulances.

Sam was flown to Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital by the Devon Air Ambulance and Matt Stevens - whose brother Martyn is Sam's father - is planning to do a sponsored skydive to raise funds for both the Devon and Dorset and Somerset air ambulances.

The charity fundraiser will be all the more challenging because 33-year-old Matt has a paralysing fear of heights.

But he is hoping to raise at least £1,500 by the end of March when, weather permitting, the skydive will take place.

Donations can be made at http://www.justgiving.com/matt-stevens7">www.justgiving.com/matt-stevens7 or by contacting Matt on 07875 151682.

Photo: Steve

Guscott