THE bravery of three Rhyl High School pupils who came to the rescue of two young girls has been rewarded.

Callum Rayner, Corey Rayner and Calum Winstanley received special civic awards after heroically saving two girls - Tyler Hankinson and her friend - after they got into difficulties in the water.

The incident happened on Saturday, August 18 2018.

Twins Callum and Corey Rayner, 13, step-brother Calum Winstanley, 12, and their friend - known as Riley - heard two girls crying for help and waving theirs arms near the Pavilion Theatre.

The boys quickly realised the seriousness of the situation and managed to flag down a lifeguard who was walking along the prom.

Cllr Win Mullen-James heard of the boys’ actions and decided to honour them with the special civic awards.

"Callum, Corey, and Calum showed outstanding bravery in helping the girls," she said.

"Their quick-thinking and actions helped two young girls at a time when they needed it most.

"As a council, we felt it was only right that the boys’ swift acts were acknowledged which is why we decided to give the trio special civic awards."

Lifeboat crew helped the lifeguards get the girls into the inshore lifeboat. Rhyl Lifeboat, UK coastguard, lifeguards, ambulance and police were all involved in the rescue operation.

The girls were taken to Glan Clwyd Hospital.

Tyler's mum Gemma Hankinson, who lives in Newton-le-Willows, said at the time: "The boys are heroes in my eyes. The girls could have drowned if it wasn't for their actions."

Claire Armitstead, headteacher at Rhyl High School, said: "This award is a great honour for the young boys.

"Rhyl High School is proud and honoured to have such courageous young people among their pupil population."