Brothers' bravery recognised

David Farrah, 33, of London Road, and another man Peter Freeman, of Wellington Square, Hastings, have been awarded Royal Humane Society Testimonials on Vellum signed by society president Princess Alexandra, for their rescue bid 100 yards out in high winds, rough seas and strong cross currents.

David's brother Philip, also from London Road and Gavin John Bailey, of Albert Road, Wellingborough, will both receive a Certificate of Commendation from the society after wading out the last few yards to help the others.

The bravery awards were made on the recommendation of the Chief Constable of Sussex Police.

The incident happened at 3.15pm on September 30 when Lee Fox was seen jumping off the end of the pier, fully clothed, into 6ft high waves 60ft below.

Mr Freenman, who had been surfing, noticed someone in the water and swam out to him.

He struggled to hold the boy's head above water and get him on to the surf board.

David Farrah saw the incident from the beach and swam out to help. They brought Lee to shore. He had serious head injuries where he had been battered against the pier structure.

Paramedics fought to save Lee but he did not recover.

David said: "I tried my hardest. Unfortunately it wasn't good enough. We were just too late."

Christopher Tyler, secretary of the Royal Humane Society, said: "Though well out of his depth Mr Freeman did all he could to prevent this tragedy and David Farrah exhibited the same bravery when he swam out to come to his aid."

A date for the presentation of the awards has yet to be fixed.

David Farrah, 33, of London Road, and another man Peter Freeman, of Wellington Square, Hastings, have been awarded Royal Humane Society Testimonials on Vellum signed by society president Princess Alexandra, for their rescue bid 100 yards out in high winds, rough seas and strong cross currents.

David's brother Philip, also from London Road and Gavin John Bailey, of Albert Road, Wellingborough, will both receive a Certificate of Commendation from the society after wading out the last few yards to help the others.

The bravery awards were made on the recommendation of the Chief Constable of Sussex Police.

The incident happened at 3.15pm on September 30 when Lee Fox was seen jumping off the end of the pier, fully clothed, into 6ft high waves 60ft below.

Mr Freenman, who had been surfing, noticed someone in the water and swam out to him.

He struggled to hold the boy's head above water and get him on to the surf board.

David Farrah saw the incident from the beach and swam out to help. They brought Lee to shore. He had serious head injuries where he had been battered against the pier structure.

Paramedics fought to save Lee but he did not recover.

David said: "I tried my hardest. Unfortunately it wasn't good enough. We were just too late."

Christopher Tyler, secretary of the Royal Humane Society, said: "Though well out of his depth Mr Freeman did all he could to prevent this tragedy and David Farrah exhibited the same bravery when he swam out to come to his aid."

A date for the presentation of the awards has yet to be fixed.