JET-SKIERS saved the life of a man who plunged from the Tyne Bridge.

The man survived the 85ft fall but was being swept downstream when he was spotted by Peter Armstrong and Stephen Dent.

Mr Armstrong, 49, of Lanchester, near Consett, County Durham, and his friend Mr Dent were enjoying a jet ski ride on the river, when they heard shouts from the shore.

Passers-by had seen the man fall and thrown in a life- buoy. The pair picked it up and towed the man to the river steps outside Slice Bar, near Newcastle Crown Court, where police pulled him out.

Inspector Neil Fraser, of Northumbria Police, said: "The tide was very strong and he was really struggling. It is possible to survive jumping from the bridge if you land in the water, but not everybody does.

"You can survive longer in the water in summer because it won't be as cold as normal. This man is very lucky to be alive after what happened.

"If it hadn't been for the life- buoy then this man may well have drowned. We are very keen that people do not misuse them because it is very important that they are available in moments like this."

The incident happened just after 8pm on Wednesday, July 16, but details have just emerged. The man was taken to Newcastle General Hospital for checks but released uninjured.