AN unsung hero has come forward to tell of his part in the dramatic rescue of a child in Carr Mill dam.
Alex Shippam, 23, and Lee Dootson were near the 19 arches bridge when they saw a boy in obvious trouble in the water after he had fallen off an inflatable rubber ring.
He described what happened: "I ran the 300 yards over the bridge, stripped off and dived in.
"As I got to the lad he panicked and jumped on my head.
"After a struggle I managed to get him at arms length."
Help
As he battled to bring him towards the shore, Alex called for help from those who had gathered nearby.
Two men jumped in and helped drag them back to safety.
Despite the drama, the boy made his way home after thanking his rescuers, but Alex, who works for Burgess Agricultural Engineers was modest about his bravery.
"I don't want awards, I just want to go on my merry way," he said.
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