HEROIC schoolboys who rescued a mum and baby from the freezing water of a canal have been honoured again - this time with a national lifesaving award.

Ethan Melvin (14), Campbell law (14) and Joe Draycott (15) - who attend Peter & Paul Catholic College in Widnes - have received a Roll of Honour award from the Swimming Teachers’ Association following the incident on December 7.

They were part of a seven-strong group in the football Court at Spike Island nature reserve in Widnes that day who sprang into action when the incident happened.

The other boys involved in the rescue - Jacob Potter, Tyler Moses, Ellis Hulme and McAuley Maguire who go to neighbouring schools - have also been contacted and will receive their roll of honour on a future date.

Praising their heroic efforts, Dave Candler, STA's chief executive, said: "This is an incredible story of heroism and community.

"Thanks to these boys acting quickly and decisively they helped to save a mum and a baby that day."

They were approached by a young girl who was in distress, shouting ‘hey’ and crying. They went to her aid, asking what was wrong.

After walking with the little girl for a few moments Ethan spotted the pram, not really thinking anything at first but then to the right was the woman, in the water, holding onto the side.

The boys ran over and noticed she was holding a young baby with her free arm, Ethan took the baby, Joe and Campbell got the mum out and then assisted once all were okay to retrieve the pram.

Ethan heaved the baby from the water and soon spotted that tiny Eva was sputtering and immediately performed CPR – something he had learned at school.

Joe phoned for an ambulance and Campbell gave the address.

Paramedics then arrived to take over.

The boys stayed and assisted offering coats and jackets to wrap the baby as she was soaked through and until the ambulance arrived.

It emerged that the little girl’s mum, Lifei, and baby sister Eva had plunged into the water after being chased by swans.

However, although she could swim, Lifei later said her clothing was too heavy and she began to struggle while trying to save her baby.

The Swimming Teachers’ Association is dedicated to the teaching of swimming and water safety.

Its Roll of Honour is the organisation’s highest accolade and recognises outstanding commitment towards safety and lifesaving.

It is only the 11th time in 20 years that the Roll of Honour has been awarded by STA.