THE MUM of a little boy who fell in the River Mersey has praised the children who saved him from certain death.

Little Oliver Lea, aged 4, was riding his bike off Mersey Walk, Latchford, when he toppled into the water.

Four youngsters, Matthew Lee, aged 13, Scott Chriscoli, aged 13, Julie Marsh, aged 14 and 12-year-old Toni Dawson were playing football nearby and saw what happened. Matthew dived into the water and swam to the struggling little boy while his pals stood in the shallows to pull the youngster to safety.

Speaking from her home in Brook Avenue, Latchford, Oliver's mum, Jennifer, told the GUARDIAN: "I don't think he would be here now if it wasn't for them.

"They saved his life and I think they are heroes."

Oliver was taken to Warrington Hospital for observation, but was released five hours later. He was suffering from minor cuts and bruises, and had a tummy upset for a week, but Jennifer says he has made a complete recovery.

"But he doesn't like the water now," she added.

"We've bought him a paddling pool to try and get him used to it again."

Matthew's mum, Susan, says she was delighted by the actions of her son and his friends.

"They were really brave," she said. "I am so proud."

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.