Coastguard stopped cliff tragedy

John Barnes (r) receiving his award from Chief Constable Colin Port

A coastguard who went to the rescue of a woman who threatened to kill herself has been honoured for his bravery.

John Barnes was the first to reach the woman and tried to dissuade her from jumping to her death off a 70ft cliff at Kilve near Watchet in Somerset.

As she edged closer to the edge, he jumped forward, grabbed her coat and pulled her to safety.

Mr Barnes was presented with a Royal Humane Society award at the County Hall in Taunton.

Superintendent Gary Davies, of Avon and Somerset Constabulary, said: "It is with no doubt that the actions of John that day were nothing short of brave and heroic.

"Thanks to his quick decision making and actions, he prevented a terrible tragedy from occurring."