A HOOK teenager won an award for saving the life of a friend who became trapped in freezing water.

Lee Craven, of Painters Pightle, dragged his friend Max Davies from the Basingstoke Canal at Woking in February this year, after he fell through the ice. The 17-year-old then treated his friend for hypothermia by gradually warming him up under a shower.

On Monday night, Lee received the Guy Evans Award at the St John Ambulance First Aid Awards ceremony, held at the Lancaster Hotel in London.

The black-tie bash was hosted by survival expert Ray Mears and included guests such as retired Premier League footballer Fabrice Muamba, whose heart stopped during a match in March.

Lee’s mother Jennie nominated him for the award, which was decided by public vote.

She told The Gazette: “It was absolutely amazing. I was exceptionally proud of him already and just to get to the final was recognition enough.”

Lee, an Explorer Scout, went up to collect the award with his friend Max, of Newnham Road, Hook.

For more on this story, see The Gazette on Thursday.