A BOLTON scout was more than prepared when he dived into a lake to save a drowning boy.

Marcus Douglas, aged 10, turned life-saver when he plunged in to grab Bolton youngster Joseph Pelling, four, who had tumbled into the water.

The drama came as the youngsters from the Bolton 5th cubs and scouts enjoyed a camping trip at Sandiways Camp in Cheshire.

Joe wandered on to a jetty to fish then suddenly toppled into the murky depths. But Marcus kept a cool head and jumped into the water to pull the boy to safety, as Joe's dad ran to help.

Now the modest hero, who only learned to swim 18 month's ago, has been presented with a special certificate to honour of his rescue.

And Joe was on hand to present the award to his saviour at a ceremony last night at the pack's scout hut in Dougill Street.

Marcus, of Victory Street, Bolton, said: "When I saw Joe fall in I panicked like everyone else and didn't really know what to do.

"Then I just thought about saving his life and getting him out of the water. He had gone under the water because he couldn't swim.

"I jumped in and grabbed hold of him then I lifted him up to his brother. He was choking, coughing and crying when he first came out of the water.

"If things had been different I suppose Joe could have died. Everyone just said that I'd done some nice work."

And grateful dad Eddie Pelling, who is also a cub leader, told of his horror when he his young son fell into the water.

Eddie, of Sofa Street, Heaton, added: "No sooner had I started running down the jetty than Marcus jumped in and grabbed him.

"I was amazed by his quick reactions and bravery. He didn't seem to panic and just got on with the job. We're just very grateful to him."

Marcus, a pupil of St Thomas of Canterbury RC Primary School, was presented with the letter of commendation from the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society, after police reported the rescue.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.