TEENAGE hero Christopher Park, who saved a suicidal woman from drowning, has been honoured for his bravery.

Mr Park, a joiner from Stoneclough, risked his life to rescue the 29-year-old from the fast-running waters.

He was awarded the Royal Humane Society's prestigious Testimonial on Parchment this week after being recommended by Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable David Wilmott.

Mr Park (19), of Hulme Road, dived into the river on October 16, after spotting the drowning woman.

The riverbed had treacherous trenches up to 12ft deep, but Mr Park waded out to save her. He dragged her back to safety and she was taken to hospital by ambulance. Mr Park said: "I was working on the Lord Nelson pub in Stoneclough when my workmate saw a dog looking into the river. I looked over and noticed a woman floating in the water.

"Luckily I fish there and knew which bits were shallow.

"I pulled the woman out and then we took her into our side cabin and made her a nice hot cup of tea.

"I'm proud that I was able to save someone's life."

Christopher Tyler, secretary of the Royal Humane Society, said: "Mr Park was always in danger of being swept away into the main stream.

"He waded in with no thought to his own safety and is a very courageous young man who richly deserves this award."

The Royal Humane Society was set up in 1774 by a group of London doctors. It is the leading UK organisation responsible for honouring life-savers and those involved in heroic rescues.