A SCHOOLBOY who risked his life to rescue his two uncles from a reservoir is to be nominated for a bravery award.

Andrew Hargreaves, aged 13, swam into the freezing waters of Elton Reservoir to reach Craig Fletcher and David Howarth after they got into difficulty.

And Andrew's action won him praise from fire chiefs who are putting him forward for an award.

He will also receive an bravery award from his school, Broad Oak High, Bury, on Thursday.

The drama unfolded as Andrew's uncles, both aged 28, were enjoying the warm weather on Sunday evening and Craig decided to swim out to a boat moored 50 meters from the shore.

Craig started struggling and disappeared under the water after becoming overcome by the freezing water.

David swam out to rescue him but he too got into difficulty.

Andrew then sprung into action despite suffering cramp, and swum across to the two struggling men.

The teenager, of Falcon Close, Bury, said: "Craig was floating on his back, close to the boat. He began to go under the water. He was too cold and tired to reach the boat and was swallowing water."

He added: "The water was freezing but I kept going. I knew my uncles were drowning and I had to do something.

"When I reached David we both managed to grab hold of Craig. He told us to leave him but we dragged him back to the banks."

David, of Railway Terrace, Bury, is also to be nominated for a similar honour for his part in the dramatic rescue.

He said: "I was choking on the water and was actually sick. It was a nightmare. Craig was telling us to leave him. He knew he was in trouble and that we could drown trying to save him. There was no way I was going to leave him.

"Andy then reached us and we all swam back to the shore."

Craig of St Anne's Street, Chesham, was treated for mild hypothermia at the scene by paramedics but he declined hospital treatment.

Jane Dickson, deputy head at Broad Oak, said staff and pupils were delighted at Andrew's initiative.

She said: "We are very proud of him and we would like to think all of our pupils would do the same in that situation.

"Andrew has a keen sense of humour and is a very popular boy. The staff were delighted and we will be showing how proud we are by handing him a trophy for bravery on Thursday." Firefighters reached the reservoir just as the trio swam to safety. Station Officer Peter Seddon said: "If Andy had not gone to the assistance of the two men they would not have got out. They would have drowned. Craig does not realise how lucky he is."

Andrew, a pupil at Broad Oak High School, said: "I am just glad we got Craig out alive. It was a frightening incident. I would do it again. I couldn't let him drown."

United Utilities are urging people to stay on dry land and not to be tempted into icy reservoirs during the hot spell.

Peter Bradley, United Utilities' health and safety adviser, said: "Reservoirs do seem inviting to swimmers, particularly on hot days after sunbathing, but cooling off in them can be deadly.

"In a reflex action, the body cuts the supply of blood to the arms and legs, preventing swimming, and people then sink and drown.

"Swimming in reservoirs is a highly dangerous activity. Adults and children should be aware of the perils.

"Reservoirs in use have water drawn from them through pipes under the surface and there are very strong undercurrents created as a result."