A youngster from Ramsgate is being hailed a hero after saving his friend’s life when she got into difficulties swimming off the Thanet coast.

Jake Veitch was swimming off the Main Sands with Emily Osbourne on Tuesday evening when the 12-year-olds got caught in an ebb tide close to the East Pier.

Jake managed to swim ashore and alert the emergency services, before shouting for help from passers-by.

The crew of a boat moored in the Royal Harbour also threw Emily a life ring which helped her stay afloat until the inshore lifeboat arrived less than 10 minutes later.

She was then taken to hospital with cuts to her knees but was otherwise uninjured.

Local coastguard Pete Overton said: “Emily was very grown up and very pragmatic, albeit a bit surprised at the strength of the lifeboat crew who hauled her out of the water!

“She didn’t appear to be in shock at all and managed to stay very calm throughout.

“Jake’s actions were marvellous and I think we’ll write a letter to him, thanking him for what he’s done. He was a very brave little boy.”