Award for child who saved sister

Connor Newlands will be given his certificate early next year

An 11-year-old boy from Perthshire is to receive a national bravery award for saving his young sister from drowning.

Connor Newlands from Comrie jumped into the River Lednock after nine-year-old Gemma fell from her bike into the water in June.

She was pinned down by the cycle, but Connor managed to keep her head above water until help arrived.

He is to receive a testimonial from the Royal Humane Society for risking his own life to come to another's aid.

'Very special'

A spokeswoman for the society said: "The committee felt this was a particularly brave act.

"Connor's own life could have been at risk here and he selflessly went into the water and helped to save his sister.

"He was very, very young. He was only 11 and for someone as young as he was to take the risk and be able to manage the circumstances was a very special thing for him to do."

Connor was nominated for the award by Tayside Police and is expected to be handed his certificate at a ceremony early next year.