A TOURIST who risked his life to save a man from drowning in the River Ouse last weekend has been put forward for a bravery award.

Simon Hope, from Warrington, Cheshire, stripped off and made the daring rescue when a man got into trouble after leaping off Ouse Bridge at lunchtime last Sunday.

Another tourist who witnessed the incident has now approached the Royal Humane Society, urging them to decorate Mr Hope for his actions.

Bill Whiteford, from Stirlingshire, said Mr Hope was a "genuine hero". He said he was sitting with a group of friends on a terrace above the river when he heard a loud splash.

"It was clear something big had gone into the river but nobody could see what, and nothing came to the surface," he said.

Mr Whiteford said at least 20 seconds went by before the man's hands were seen just below the surface.

"While many of us wondered what to do and prepared to throw a lifebelt, one man instinctively did the right thing," he said. "He stripped off and jumped into the river."

"In my view, it was the act of a hero and should be rewarded."

A spokeswoman for the Royal Humane Society said they would consider Mr Whiteford's nomination.