THE mother of a six-year-old boy who almost drowned in a swimming pool has praised the 12-year-old girl who saved her only son's life.

Sarah Laville, of Pytchley Road, Guisborough, was at the baths in Guisborough, east Cleveland, when she saw Ben Eddon lying at the bottom of the pool's deep end. She dragged him to the surface, where she and a friend pulled him from the water.

After hearing Sarah's calls for help, two lifeguards were able to revive Ben, from the Meadows, in Redcar.

An investigation has been launched by officials from the pool and they have promised a review of safety policy.