A SENIOR police officer has put forward "an exceptionally brave young man" for our Pride of East Lancashire Campaign to find a Child of Courage.

Chief Inspector Pete Broome has put pen to paper to nominate 16-year-old Paul Swift, who jumped into a canal to save the lives of a mother and her young daughter in April this year.

Mr Broome said: "When you think of a young person who has acted courageously Paul Swift automatically comes to mind. He is an exceptionally brave young man.

"Young people attract an awful lot of criticism and this young man's extreme courage is a timely counterbalance to those criticisms.

"It shows that youngsters can and do behave extremely public spirited."

On April 22 Paul was walking along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal at the back of The Moorings pub, Bolton Road, with his girlfriend Leanne Duce.

They heard a moan from the water and despite the woman shouting "leave us" he dived in. Paul, an apprentice electrician, pulled the 34-year-old and her six-year-old daughter from the canal and put them in the recovery position.

The teenager, who is a member of St John's Ambulance, has also been recommended for a Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society Award.

Mr Broome said: "I cannot think of any other cases in my time in service where a child has saved somebody's life.

When asked whether or not people should intervene in dangerous situations Mr Broome said: "Whether or not we recommend any precautions people do what they do on the spur of the moment.

"Many times you speak to the 'hero of the moment' and they say "I just did it" and they only realise the extent of what they have done afterwards.

"Paul clearly went into life-saving mode and without a shadow of a doubt that young man prevented two deaths."

Paul, who lives with his family in Birch Hall Avenue, Darwen, said: "People have been asking me about it a lot since it happened and it has been a bit overwhelming.

"I haven't really thought about it myself since it happened. But I would do exactly the same again if I was in the same situation."

His mum June said: "Paul is always helping people if they need it and of course we are very proud of him.

"It didn't sink in at first when I found out what he had done. I thought he must have just done it on instinct but when I asked him if he would do it again he said 'yes'."

To nominate your own child of courage log on to www.thisislancashire.co.uk or complete a nomination coupon before September 30.