A TEENAGE boy who waded into a flooded river to try to save a man from drowning has been commended for his bravery.

Dean Fawcett, then 14, entered the River Ribble on July 12, 2015, despite the fact the river was swollen after heavy rain the previous night.

Dean, from Settle, sprung into action after he saw 42-year-old Stephen Cliff slip into the water at Stainforth Foss, get into difficulties and go under the water.

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When he surfaced some minutes later, the youngster went into the water and pulled Mr Cliff out before calling 999 on his phone.

He then shouted for help and was assisted by a passing walker and his wife.

Sadly, despite resuscitation attempts, Mr Cliff was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics about 20 minutes later.

At the subsequent inquest, Mr Cliff's mother, Lyn Prince, said she and her husband were deeply grateful to Dean for trying so hard to save her son's life.

Now the teenager has received a Chief Constable's Commendation.

It states: "Dean's courageous act put his own life in danger by attempting to save the life of another and he is commended for this."

Inspector Geoff Crocker, of Craven Police, said: "Despite the obvious tragic outcome of this incident, we cannot ignore the danger Dean Fawcett placed himself in to reach into the pool and drag Stephen, out and the Chief Constable has recognised this.

"The officer who attended at the time and water bailiff for the area both provided evidence at the coroner's court as to how dangerous the Foss was at the time.

"I know it has been a difficult time for Dean. None of us would choose to be put in such a situation, but he did his best in what was an extremely challenging situation and this commendation is recognition of his courage."

Dean received his certificate at Settle Police Station from Sergeant Les Moorhouse, of the Rural Craven Neighbourhood Policing Team.