A LIFEBOATMAN has received a national award for rescuing a lifeguard who got into difficulty after saving a stricken surfer.
Mark Reeves had already earned the Thanks of the Institution on Vellum, one of the RNLI's highest awards, for his part in the rescue of lifeguard Paul Crook, from Redcar, east Cleveland.
On Saturday, he received the Walter and Elizabeth Groombridge award.
Mr Reeves, helmsman of Redcar's Atlantic 75 lifeboat, was given the award for performing the most meritorious service by this class of lifeboat last year.
During the rescue, in August last year, Mr Crook swam in choppy seas at Saltburn pier to save surfer Donna Ford, but afterwards got into difficulties himself.
The Redcar Atlantic and D Class lifeboats were launched, with Atlantic the first to arrive. Helmsman Reeves turned the lifeboat into the surf towards the lifeguard, who was under the surface of the water, so other crew members could pull him to safety.
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