Bravery award for heroic rower

Hugh Wright helped save the lives of 15 crew members

A rower who helped rescue 15 colleagues after a boating accident on a Spanish river has been given a top bravery award.

Hugh Wright, 23, was presented with the Royal Humane Society's silver medal for his heroic actions on the River Ebro at Amposta in December 2000.

The Oxford University medical student received the medal for saving the lives of 15 crew members of the Oxford University Lightweight Rowing Club during a freak storm.

However, despite his best attempts Mr Wright was unable to save Leo Blockley, 21, who died after being swept down the river.

At the ceremony the parents of Mr Blockley paid tribute to Mr Wright for his bravery.

The Royal Humane Society's medal is one of the UK's oldest bravery awards and is awarded when the rescuer knowingly exposed him or herself to considerable risk.