A MAN who plunged into dangerous river currents to save a pensioner's life, insisted he was no hero.

Brad Margach, 24, dived in after a man, who was dressed only in pyjamas and slippers, plunged from the top of the Tees Barrage, near Stockton.

Battling with swirling currents, just feet from the structure's huge sluice gates and unable to keep a foothold on slime-covered rocks on the bed of the channel, the assistant manager kept the pensioner's head above water for 20 minutes until help arrived.

Mr Margach said: "I just did what I had to do. It was the natural thing to do, and it's a good thing that has come out of it, that I was able to help somebody."

He was cycling to work at Middlesbrough when he saw the man holding on to the railings of the barrage bridge. The man told him he was going to jump.

Mr Margach tried to talk him down, but when this failed he ran to the barrage control room to get help.

As he got there, the man leapt into the river. Mr Margach threw him a lifebelt, but to no avail so he dived in, swimming half-way across the river to reach the man.

Because of the steep sides of the river's edge, emergency workers could not at first reach either Mr Margach or the man he rescued and had to use a special wynch to bring both men ashore.

Inspector Peter Jones, of Cleveland Police, said: "Mr Margach's quick action undoubtedly saved the man's life."

Station Officer Ian Dunning, of Thornaby fire station, said: "It was a brave thing to do, there is no doubt about that. The water temperature at this time of year is very cold. You don't survive very long in there unless you have a protective dry suit on. I am full of admiration for him."

Mr Margach's mother, Rose, said: "I think it's absolutely wonderful. But he is always very caring.''

After drying himself out and changing his clothes, Mr Margach went on to work.

The man he rescued was taken to Middlesbrough General Hospital, for a check-up.