THREE teenage heroes saved a 12-year-old friend's life after he fell from a tree with a rope around his neck.

Lee Stockdale turned blue and fell unconscious as the rope tightened around his throat. It was only the quick actions of his friends that saved his life.

Lee's best friend Paul Hooper took the weight off the rope while twins Michael and Steven Plummer, of Salterforth Road, Earby, climbed the tree near a playground in Rushton Avenue, Earby, and untied the rope from a branch. Lee was taken to Airedale Hospital, Steeton, for observation after concern that his neck could start to swell, affecting his breathing. He was due to be released today. His mum Dawn said: "The hospital staff were amazed there was nothing wrong with him apart from a very bad rope burn around his neck. "They said he was a very lucky boy. The lads who helped him deserve a medal because they saved his life. I want them to know how grateful I am to them. There were other people there but they panicked and just froze. These lads rushed to help Lee."

The accident happened on Saturday afternoon as Lee was playing with friends. Paul, 15, of Tysley Grove, Earby, said: "Lee climbed up the tree with the rope. He must have slipped and it went round his neck. We turned round and saw him hanging there. I picked up his legs while Michael and Steven climbed the tree and got the rope undone.

"He was unconscious and turning blue and his eyes were bulging. Someone said he was coughing up blood.

"He seemed to wake up and started screaming. He didn't want to go to hospital. He kept saying he was all right."

The three rescuers are all pupils at Park High School, Colne, while Lee attends Tullyallan School in Darwen.

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