SHY hero Edward Pickering has followed in his grandfather's footsteps after saving a man from drowning.

This week he was commended for his bravery by the Royal Humane Society, 62 years after his grandfather won the same award for saving two women from drowning.

It is believed to be the first time two members of the same family have received the award for their actions in separate incidents.

Edward, 24, of Grange Court, Yatton Keynell, was on a night out with a friend in Bath when he saw a man floating face down in the fast flowing River Avon near the dangerous Pulteney Weir.

Mr Pickering, who works at the Beaten Track caf at Chippenham railway station, jumped into the river and swam more than 20ft to drag the unconscious man to the bank. He was helped by Craig Hiscott, 26, from Bath.

The man, who had been drinking, was treated in hospital for serious back and head injuries.

Mr Pickering's father Michael said he and his wife Susan knew nothing of their son's bravery until the following morning.

He said: "He is very reticent about the whole thing, and wouldn't have said anything."

Edward was presented with his award at a ceremony at Avon & Somerset Police HQ in Portishead on Wednesday.