A PLUCKY day-tripper who leapt into the River Severn to save a suicidal man from drowning is to be rewarded for his bravery tonight.

Ex-Royal Marine Stuart Thompson will be presented with his bronze lifesaving medal and Certificate of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem, by Michael Brinton, Lord Lieutenant of Worcester.

The award was made in February, but he was unable to attend the ceremony.

The drama unfolded in May, last year, when 49-year-old Mr Thompson spotted a grey-haired man jumping off Worcester Bridge.

The ex-colour sergeant was drinking tea on friend Julia Bicker's pleasure boat at the time, but dived into the water watched by crowds of onlookers.

Battling against the current, he swam 150ft upstream and grabbed hold of the 52-year-old man while bystander Michael Cotter and PC Pete Myatt threw them a lifebelt.

The pair were pulled to safety on South Quay, seconds before they were swept away towards a nearby weir.

At the time, Mr Thompson told the Evening News that the man revealed he had travelled from Birmingham to kill himself.

Mr Thompson famously replied: "Tough luck, the Royal Marines are here, you're not going to die today."

"This is an extremely prestigious award which recognises the bravery and selflessness of Mr Thompson's actions," said Chief Constable Peter Hampson, of West Mercia police.

"With little thought for his own safety, Mr Thompson acted quickly and effectively to save the life of a drowning man.

"I'm delighted that he's able to join us at the award ceremony to receive formal recognition of his bravery."

A spokesman for St John Ambulance said the century-old medal tradition was not handed out lightly.

It was given, the spokesman said, to those who had, in a "conspicuous act of gallantry" put themselves at risk trying to save others.

"It was just a natural response on the day," said Mr Thompson, who lived in Worcester but now spends much of his time in Australia.

"There was another human being in need of help. My faith in human nature tells me most people would have provided the same lifeline as I did."

Mr Cotter was handed a Royal Humane Society certificate for bravery at the February ceremony, held at the Castle Street police station.

Tonight's ceremony is due to take place at West Mercia's headquarters, Hindlip Hall, at 7.30pm.

Mr Thompson and Mr Brinton will be joined by members of the Order of St John, the Hon Lady Morrison and Graham and Alison Cooper.