A YORK surfer who fought a life-and-death battle on his surfboard to save a man from drowning is to receive two awards for his courage.

Leon Allison, 22, from Osbaldwick Lane, will be given the Royal Humane Society’s Testimonial on Parchment and a Resuscitation Certificate after he paddled into the sea off Saltburn-by-the-Sea to rescue a 25-year-old caught by a strong current when he jumped into the sea from the town’s pier after drinking with a friend.

Site foreman Mr Allison brought the man, who was in a coma for two weeks afterwards but has now made a full recovery, to the shore.

Three other men who also helped by alerting emergency services and administering first aid will also receive awards.

Dick Wilkinson, the Society’s secretary, said: “But for the swift and courageous action of Mr Allison and the combined efforts of all four men, the man who jumped into the sea would surely have died, and they all richly deserve their awards.”