AN Antrobus schoolboy who saved the life of a little girl on holiday has been recognised for his heroic efforts.

The Guardian reported back in November how nine-year-old Frank Emsley had been on holiday with his family during the October half-term, when he rescued a four-year-old girl who who was lying face down in the swimming pool.

Frank quickly sprang into action and pulled the girl out of the water of the pool at the hotel in Tenerife, where she was treated by lifeguards and paramedics.

READ AGAIN > Antrobus boy saves drowning girl from Tenerife swimming pool

At the time, Frank's mum Sarah hailed her son as 'a humble hero' and the young lifesaver's actions were also praised by his school teacher.

However, his efforts have also now received the attention of the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) who have awarded him with their Young Person's Certificate of Commendation.

RLSS UK’s ‘Young Person’s Certificate of Commendation’ is awarded to those people under 18, who exemplify the quick-thinking and courage it takes to take action, and save a life.

"Frank was only nine-years-old when he saved this little girl’s life, that’s something that will stay with him and with her, for the rest of their lives," explains Lee Heard, RLSS UK’s Director of Charity.

Northwich Guardian: Frank Emsley with his RLSS UK certificate.

"For such a young person to spot the incident, then have the confidence and courage to help the girl and immediately call for help, deserves huge praise.

"RLSS UK believes that you’re never too young or too old to learn lifesaving skills and, in doing so, you become an everyday hero - ready to respond whenever and wherever an emergency situation occurs.

"It was an honour and a delight to meet Frank when we did our video call presentation, he’s a credit to his family and his community."

Mum, Sarah, has confirmed the certificate is now hanging proudly on Frank's bedroom and it acts as a reminder to a family holiday they will never forget.

She said: "We were contacted by the RLSS as they’d heard of Frank’s heroic actions on Hits radio.

"They contacted me via a representative there who had my details.

"We were thrilled they wanted to award Frank with a lifesaving award.

"Unfortunately, due to the Coronavirus pandemic this had to be done remotely via zoom.

"Frank was so pleased to receive his award and it really made him feel special that he had been acknowledged by such a great charity.

"He had a chat on the zoom meeting with the RLSS representative and he decided he would like to go on one of their courses when he is older.

"The RLSS is a drowning prevention charity and they thought Frank was an excellent example of someone who acted quickly in a drowning situation in Tenerife."

The charity has a free digital water safety toolkit, which can be found at https://www.rlss.org.uk/Pages/Category/lifesaver-lifechanger

The award now hangs on his wall in his bedroom and it is a reminder to him of his bravery. We as a family are so very proud of him.