Boy saves brother from drowning

Jack Dudley's father has praised his actions

A seven-year-old boy is being hailed a hero after saving his younger brother from drowning in the family pool.

Jack Dudley and his three-year-old brother Sam were playing in the swimming pool at Brayton near Selby on Sunday when Sam got into difficulty.

Quick-thinking Jack jumped in and pulled his brother to safety.

The boys' father Pete Dudley, who had to resuscitate Sam at the side of the pool, said: "Jack's been an absolute hero as far as we're concerned."

He explained how the drama unfolded at a poolside party in the family's garden on Sunday afternoon.

The children's parents and grandmother had turned their backs for just a short time when Sam decided to remove his arm bands and jump on to an inflatable toy in the pool.

It would have been very easy to just run and go get Mum and Dad - if he had done that I don't think we would have Sam with us today Pete Dudley, boys' father

His brother was the first to notice he had gone under the water and immediately sprang into action.

Jack told the BBC: "It was very difficult because he's very heavy."

The seven-year-old had to drag Sam to the surface twice after he slipped from his grasp at the first attempt. By then, Mr Dudley had been alerted and pulled both boys from the pool.

Sam was blue and lifeless and Mr Dudley performed CPR as his wife called for an ambulance.

The three-year-old was treated for fluid on his lungs in hospital and was allowed home on Monday night.

Praising his son's actions, Mr Dudley said: "He used what he has learned at his swimming lessons and he used it instinctively.

"He's not panicked, which is good, as it would have been very easy to just run and go get Mum and Dad.

"If he had done that I don't think we would have Sam with us today.

"The time he took to get Sam out was vital.

"It does make you realise that if you are not always there, even for the shortest amount of time, it can be quite devastating."