Anthony Carroll A brave teenager has been praised by coastguards after he jumped into the River Yare to rescue a dog yesterday morning.Bradley Thorpe risked his own life to save Ben, the 13-month old husky, after the dog slipped its lead and leapt into the river at Great Yarmouth.

Anthony Carroll

A brave teenager has been praised by coastguards after he jumped into the River Yare to rescue a dog yesterday morning.

Bradley Thorpe risked his own life to save Ben, the 13-month old husky, after the dog slipped its lead and leapt into the river at Great Yarmouth.

The 17-year-old had to cling onto a ladder as he battled strong currents while he grabbed Ben and managed to get him safely to the riverside where he was reunited with grateful owner Desmond Noone.

Yesterday's rescue happened at 10am by Havenbridge House, where the regional coastguard rescue co-ordination centre is based.

As Bradley, who studies at Lowestoft College, received praised from the coastguard he said one of his ambitions was to join the life-saving team.

Bradley, who lives in Yarmouth's Nelson Road North, said: “I could hear shouts for help and ran over.

“I could see the dog was in trouble and just jumped in without thinking.

“The current was very strong. If I had let go off the ladder I would have ended up in Felixstowe - or even drowned.

“It is great I could save Ben - I would like to be a coastguard.”

Ben had excitedly slipped his lead as it was the first time that Mr Noone had ever taken him to the area for a walk.

Mr Noone, 50 and from Wolseley Road, had began to take his clothes off so he could get into the River Yare to rescue Ben - but fast thinking Bradley beat him to the rescue.

He said: “If Bradley had not jumped in I do not think Ben would still be around.

“I am so grateful to him - he is a lovely young lad.”

As Bradley stood shivering in his soaking wet clothes by the river coastguard watch officer Matthew Thornhill left Havenbridge House to praise him for his rescue .

Mr Thornhill also told Bradley that he should consider joining a volunteer coastguard team in the area.

He said: “Bradley should be extremely proud of his quick thinking actions.”

Mr Thornhill said that yesterday's rescue was a reminder to dog owners to keep a close eye on their pets by the riverside.

If anyone sees a dog or any animal in trouble in water they should call the coastguard on 999.