THERE was double joy for safety engineer Steve Linfoot yesterday.

Following the news that production of the new Micra was coming to Nissan's Wearside plant, where he works, Mr Linfoot also learned he had been nominated for a bravery award for his work as a Special Constable.

Mr Linfoot, 33, is to receive a framed testimonial from the Royal Humane Society after rescuing a teenager, who was in danger on the River Wear, at Riverside Park, Chester-le-Street, last August.

Mr Linfoot was off-duty when he saw a colleague attempting to throw a lifebelt to 13-year-old Daniel Brettle, whose dinghy was trapped in swirling currents below a weir. He went out into the river and, ignoring the risk of being swept away, waded along a concrete plinth and managed to throw a lifeline towards Daniel.

The teenager clung on and was dragged to safety by Steve, who, since the brave rescue, has been promoted to section officer with the special constabulary in Durham.

He said: "I know the river quite well as I've fished it regularly and was aware it had strong undercurrents.

"I was able to walk along the beam part of the way to keep a firm footing, and I didn't think twice about wading out as I knew I wasn't in danger myself."