TWO Worcester men, who battled in vain to save the life of a teenager who jumped from a cliff into freezing waters of a Malvern Hills quarry have been given top bravery awards.

Robert Jones and Richard Fletcher had gone to Gullet Quarry with a group of friends before the tragic events that led to the death of teenager Andrew Pedlingham.

Mr Jones, aged 21, of Norfolk Close, Worcester, had been swimming in a slipway away from the 10m deep water in the quarry at about 1pm on Monday, September 2.

Andrew, aged 17, of Sayers Avenue, Malvern, had been with a separate group.

Struggled

He jumped from a cliff into the water, but got into difficulties as he swam to the slipway and cried out for help.

Mr Jones swam to help him, pulled him to the surface, but went under himself as Andrew struggled.

"He grabbed hold of me and was panicking," said Mr Jones.

"If Rich hadn't come out to help, I think we would have both drowned."

Mr Jones and Mr Fletcher, aged 24 also of Norfolk Close, managed to drag Andrew to the bank.

"I was blue from the cold and we had to call for people to give him mouth-to-mouth," said Mr Jones.

Andrew collapsed and, despite attempts by two off-duty paramedics, could not be resuscitated.

Truly tragic

The Royal Humane Society have now decided the two men would be given testimonials on vellum signed by the society's president, Princess Alexandra.

"This was a truly tragic incident,"said the society's secretary Major General Christopher Tyler.

"Unhappily, despite the heroic efforts of these two, the man in trouble still drowned.

"However, they did everything they could to save him. They richly deserve these awards.

"The water was very cold and deep and there is no question that in taking the action they did they put their own lives at risk."