TWO teenage brothers whose quick-thinking heroism saved three swimmers from drowning have won a major national award and are set to be personally congratulated by Prime Minister Tony Blair.

TWO teenage brothers whose quick-thinking heroism saved three swimmers from drowning have won a major national award and are set to be personally congratulated by Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Daniel and Jason Rodd, from Henley, have been crowned National Life Savers in the Vodafone Life Savers Awards 2006 following their heroics in rescuing three family members off Southwold.

Their sea rescue, which saw them paddle out on body boards to drag the swimmers to safety, has already won them a bravery award from the Royal Humane Society and praise from Ipswich Swimming Club, where they both learned life-saving skills.

The Vodafone honours recognise the efforts of unsung heroes in the emergency services as well as members of the public responsible for Britain's most remarkable lifesaving rescues.

Claydon High student Daniel, 15, and Ipswich School pupil Jason, 13, who live in Main Road, are to receive the award on November 1 and the following day they will attend a special reception hosted by Mr Blair at 10 Downing Street.

Today their mum Carol said: “We're very proud of them. It started as just an ordinary day out at the beach and the next thing we know they are heroes.”

Nick Read, chief executive of Vodafone UK, said: “What makes this story even more incredible is that Daniel and Jason are just ordinary individuals who inadvertently found themselves in an extraordinary situation and had to make a split second decision that made the difference between life and death.

“Their brave actions - well beyond their years - were instrumental in saving three people's lives that day and Vodafone is delighted to have the opportunity of honouring them in these national awards.”

The drama unfolded off Southwold beach in late August last year when Jacqueline Flint, 44, attracted the attention of her husband Michael 42, and brother Steven Rice, from West Mersea in Essex.

Mrs Flint had suffered an asthma attack 30 metres from shore and was in danger of drowning. Mr Flint and Mr Rice went to her aid but were both caught in a rip tide and soon got into difficulty themselves.

It was then that Daniel and Jason entered the water with body boards and fought against the rip to bring the three to safety.

WEBLINK: www.vodafonebusiness.co.uk/lifesavers