A QUICK thinking boy has received a bravery award after helping to save the life of his best friend.

Andrew Ramsden, from Bolton, ran to get help when Christopher Malcolm (10) fell through ice into a pond off Haseley Close, Bradley Fold. Christopher was stuck up to his neck in freezing water for ten minutes, after trying to retrieve a ball from the ice.

But Andrew ran to nearby homes to raise the alarm, and neighbours managed to pull Christopher from the pond with a long pole.

Andrew has been presented with a commendation from Greater Manchester's chief fire officer, Barry Dixon.