Beach hero honoured by PM

Mr Robertson was congratulated by Mr Blair

An Aberdeenshire man has been honoured by the prime minister for his bravery in saving a young girl after she was swept out to sea.

Stuart Robertson dived into treacherous waters near his home at St Combs to come to the aid of 12-year-old Sophie Dixon in August last year.

Mr Robertson stayed with the youngster for half an hour before help reached them.

The oil worker was among 10 people to receive the life savers award from Tony Blair at a reception in Downing Street.

He had been sitting on the beach near St Combs with his family on 12 August, 2002 when he spotted Sophie being carried away by high waves.

Mr Robertson's wife Norma and daughter Sarah paid tribute to him

She had been caught off-guard by a strong ebb wave while paddling and swept out among the heavy beach breakers where she was struggling to stay afloat.

The schoolgirl had become distressed and disorientated as she tried to keep her head above water.

After swimming out to her fully clothed, Mr Robertson realised he could not get back to shore so the pair moved out to calmer waters until help arrived.

During the previous week he and a friend had experienced unusually bad undercurrents and Mr Robertson knew he had to take Sophie out beyond the waves for them to have a chance of survival.

Two local fisherman launched their small boat from the village harbour and following direction from ashore managed to bring the pair to safety.

Sophie was struggling against the tide

Mr Robertson's wife Norma said: "Due to Stuart's previous experiences, his courage, quick thinking and pure determination, I do believe he was meant to be there that day.

"I think of Stuart as a true hero and that is why I have nominated him for this award."

The life savers award pays tribute to the emergency services as well as recognising the courage of ordinary people who act to save a life.

Following the reception at Number 10 Downing Street, the life savers went to a ceremony at The Savoy hotel attended by celebrities including Claire Sweeney, Audley Harrison and Tony Blackburn.