A FIREFIGHTER who risked his life to save a woman moments away from drowning in the River Severn has been nominated for an award.

Leading firefighter Keith Peters dived into the river, along with PCs Darren Ball and Sean Haines, to rescue the woman struggling in the water.

The woman was saved and taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital, where she refused treatment and discharged herself.

"Keith acted above and beyond the call of duty, and if he hadn't, this person probably wouldn't be alive," said Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade district officer Paul Amos, who put Mr Peters forward for an award.

"We try and save people without putting ourselves at risk.

"He knew the risks, but sometimes the situation calls for you to go outside that.

"There have been examples in recent years where firefighters have been killed on similar rescues."

It will now be up to the heads of the fire brigade to decide what award Mr Peters should be given.

"The awards are very rare," said Mr Amos. "You have to be a bit special to get one."

Mr Amos said he had nominated the whole crew from Blue Watch, who took part in the rescue, for an award on Saturday, July 19.

This was the same crew that attended when 21-year-old Lee Muldowney from Dilwyn, near Leominster, drowned after leaping off Worcester Bridge.

Mr Peters said he had simply done what he was trained to do.

"To be honest, if anyone had been in my position they would have done the same," he said.

River leap of teacher to save man

A HEROIC teacher performed a dramatic rescue after he saw a man - believed to have been drinking - leap into the River Severn.

The young man, thought to be in his 20s, was seen taking off his shoes and socks near to the New Road bridge, in Worcester, at around 6.15pm yesterday.

Police were called by an onlooker, but when officers arrived the man had already thrown himself into the water.

Passer-by

A passer-by, believed to be a teacher from The Chantry High School, Martley, dived in to rescue the man and police officers helped the two of them to safety.

Fire crews from Worcester were called to the scene but were not required.

The young man was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital by ambulance, where he was treated for minor injuries.

The man could now face charges for contravening the Riverways Act and may appear before a magistrates court.

Just over a month ago, 21-year-old Lee Muldowney from Dilwyn, near Leominster, drowned after leaping from Worcester Bridge into the waters of the River Severn.