A LIFEBOATMAN is to receive a national award for the daring rescue of a lifeguard off Saltburn pier.

Mark Reeves, 33, who has already earned the Thanks of the Institution on Vellum, one of the highest RNLI awards, for his part in the rescue of lifeguard Paul Crook, from Redcar, is to receive the Walter and Elizabeth Groombridge award.

Mark, helmsman of Redcar's Atlantic 75 lifeboat, will receive the award for peforming the most meritorious service by this class of lifeboat last year.

The rescue took place on August 15 when Mr Crook swam in choppy seas at Saltburn to save surfer Donna Ford.

He got into difficulties and a lifeboat crew feared he was dead when they reached him, about 100 metres from Saltburn pier.

The Redcar Atlantic and D Class lifeboats were launched with Atlantic the first to arrive. Crewman Jonathan Danks spotted the yellow T-shirt of the lifeguard about 30 metres away.

Helmsman Reeves turned the lifeboat into the surf towards the lifeguard, who was under the surface of the water.

It manoeuvred alongside and crewmen Thomas McNamara and Danks managed to pull him aboard.

Robin Warrington, the RNLI's training divisional inspector for the North, said: "This award is thoroughly deserved. Mark is an experienced helmsman and this is the first time in his 15 years with the RNLI where he can genuinely say he has saved a life by being there in the nick of time."