Diplomat who saved drowning woman from China river to receive King's bravery award
Stephen Ellison - who's originally from Newcastle - rescued the woman after she slipped on rocks and fell into the water
A British diplomat is receiving a bravery award for saving a drowning student - in the King's first Civilian Gallantry List.
Stephen Ellison, then consul general in Chongqing, China, swam the young woman to safety after she slipped on rocks and fell into the water in November 2020.
Footage posted on social media showed the woman floating face down in the river before Mr Ellison - who's originally from Newcastle - removed his shoes and jumped in to swim her to safety.
A bystander can be seen in the footage throwing a lifebuoy to them, which appeared to help pull them to the bank of the river.
Mr Ellison told the PA news agency: "I'm delighted to receive the King's Commendation for Bravery, it's an honour and a privilege to receive the award.
"I was just happy and relieved that I was there to help, although I don't think I did anything others wouldn't have done in similar circumstances.
"But it was certainly a memorable start to my posting in Chongqing."