TWO students from Worcester’s Bishop Perowne C of E College are to be given school governors’ awards after helping to save the life of an elderly woman who slipped and fell into the River Severn.

Jess Snape and Danielle Reeves, both aged 14, were among a group of young dragon boaters who rescued a 75-year-old woman who was in the fast-flowing water in Northwick.

The teenagers were practising with the British national Dragon Boat Training Squad when the dramatic incident took place.

Jess said: “We were going up river and we heard a noise, then we heard someone shout ‘help’ and our head coach told us to stop the boat and told us what to do.

“We got over to her, got her into the middle of the boat where it was easier to get her into it. She sat behind me and I checked to see if she was all right.

“We took her back to our base at the 5th Worcester Sea Scout hut where she had a warm shower to bring her temperature up and the ambulance and police arrived.

“It seems she was walking and slipped and fell into the fast-flowing water about 200 metres up from us. When we saw her her head was going under water.”

Danielle said: “It was very scary but fortunately the woman was all right and released from hospital.”

For Jess it was not the first time she has been involved in a river rescue when out in a Dragon boat. Previously she helped pull someone out when their boat overturned.

Headteacher Julie Farr said:” The Headteacher, Julie Farr said ‘the Governors and I are very proud of the girls’ actions, which we understand required team work and a very cool head. The Governors are delighted to make an Award to the girls. “