Pyjama-clad rescuer receives humane award for her canal bravery

Carla Richardson, 39, from Riddlesden, near Keighley in West Yorkshire, was presented with a Royal Humane Society award for rescuing and helping to care for the man who was in difficulty in the Leeds Liverpool Canal in October last year.

She was presented with her award on Monday for the early morning rescue, which saw her dive into the canal after hearing a large splash while she was in her living room and spotting the man face down in the water.

Miss Richardson said: "I was surprised and am extremely honoured to have been nominated by the attending police officer as I personally didn't feel my actions warranted such an award.

"Really I only did what many people would have done in a similar situation and I was glad I was in the right place at the right time."

Chief Superintendent Ian Kennedy from West Yorkshire Police later said that the award was "richly deserved".