A VOLUNTEER RNLI crew has scooped a Pride of Britain Award for a dramatic rescue of a teenager stuck in sand with the tide coming in rapidly.

The Hartlepool crew along with the local Coastguard learnt they had won Daybreak’s Emergency Services Award live on air this morning (Friday, October 19) when Gethin Jones surprised them at the lifeboat station.

In September last year, they had a race against time to save Peterlee teenager Neil Robson, who was trapped in sand with the tide coming in quickly. The 17-year-old had become stuck on Seaton Carew beach while trying to rescue his little brother, who escaped unharmed.

Hartlepool RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Mike Craddy said: “This is a massive honour for everyone at Hartlepool RNLI lifeboat station and I’m so proud of the crew. We were all amazed when Gethin burst into the station this morning - we’d gathered to learn the results and thought we were just going to get a phone call. We’re all over the moon!

“This rescue was a fantastic team effort and the fact that Neil escaped practically unscathed was reward enough.”

The crew was first on scene in an inshore lifeboat under the command of helm Clare Gibbin. Other volunteers from Hartlepool lifeboat station travelled to the beach by car. Despite the risk of being trapped in the sand themselves, five RNLI crew members entered the water to help free Neil.

With sand and water levels reaching their chests, RNLI crew Liam Dunnett and Mark Barker fought to keep Neil’s head above water while Darren Killick, Rob Archer and Matthew Adams dug sand away from Neil’s legs. During the rescue operation they had to remove their lifejackets to enable them to work under the surface of the water.

Coastguards Colin Lodge and Chris Hornsey also arrived to help dig Neil free from the sand. The ordeal lasted 75 minutes and with just moments to spare, he was freed from the sand with the help of a high-pressure hose supplied by the fire service.

Neil, who escaped with mild hypothermia, cuts and bruises, said: “The RNLI and Coastguard did an amazing job. I’m very grateful for what they did for me under terrifying circumstances.”

The award will be officially presented at the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards ceremony on Monday, October 29.