Jack Lennox saw his friend Chantelle Riley,12, fall 50 feet through trees and branches before plunging into the Afon Cegin in Bangor.

Her friend Stacey Hughes, 15, tried to reach her but also fell down the ravine and suffered minor injuries.

Acting on instinct Jack said he ran down the hill and jumped into the water to save Chantelle from drowning.

"Chantelle twisted her ankle and fell all the way down into the river which was quite strong at the time," said Jack, who is a pupil at Ysgol Friars in Bangor.

"The water was at knee level and half of her body was in the water and I had to grab her.

"I had to run down the slope as fast as I could. She was happy that I got her out but she was in pain.

"She said she wasn't worried about her ankle just that I had got her out of the water."

Fire crews from Bangor arrived at 8.20pm last Thursday and another crew from Colwyn Bay was called with rope-rescue equipment.

Chantelle and Stacey were hoisted back up the slope on a stretcher and taken to Ysbyty Gwynedd. Chantelle was treated for head and leg injuries and Stacey was treated for shock.

Jack's mum Tracey Palmer said she was amazed at her son's quick reactions.

"I went down there and saw him and he was upset that he couldn't get her out of the ravine," she said.

"I'm so proud of him he's my little hero, bless him, he's really brave."
Jane Honey, community fire safety team manager, added: "People must realise that even small amounts of fast flowing water is quite hazardous and powerful. We are very glad that both parties are safe.

"Individuals should be very cautious before putting themselves in danger in this way."