Two schoolgirls who escaped drowning in the sea off Fleetwood, have issued a heartfelt thank-you to the men who pulled them from the treacherous water.
A pleasant Sunday afternoon on the beach turned into a nightmare for friends Keavy Marshall an
d Kirsty Cherry, when Keavy fell into the sea after trying to fill a bucket.
Keavy, who was in Fleetwood for a holiday at her grandmother's house, is unable to swim and soon began struggling to keep afloat.
When Kirsty saw what was happening she bravely jumped in to try and save her.
The drama happened on the stretch of beach between the lifeboat station and the Lower Lighthouse, a part of the beach which steeply slopes straight into the channel.
Although Kirsty could swim, her efforts to pull herself and Keavy to safety were in vain.
Then a man, who was passing by, jumped in to help.
Kirsty's mum Patricia said: " Without a thought the man jumped in and managed to keep both girls afloat - but we have no idea who he was.
"Another man then helped to drag them all to the shore.
"He was called Paul Clayton and is from Preston and we have managed to get hold of him to say thanks.
"But we have no idea who the other man was.
"He saved their lives, and we are very grateful.
Ten-year-old Kirsty, a pupil at Flakefleet Primary School, had taken in sea water and was drifting in an out of consciousness when she was finally brought to shore.
Keavy, who's nine, was left shocked and frightened and they were both taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
Fortunately they both made a quick recovery.
Added Patricia: "They are both very, very lucky.
"It didn't really hit me until later in the day when we were back from the hospital.
"I just broke down, it was a frightening time.
"I would also like to thank a lady called Margaret who stayed with the girls until the ambulance arrived."
The police were informed about the incident by staff at the hospital.
