THE mother of a six-year-old girl plucked to safety from the River Okement near the bridge in Simmons Park has added her thanks to the teenagers who carried out the rescue.

Megan Hansen, who goes to Exbourne Primary School, rode her bicycle into the river last Saturday week. Fifteen-year-old Gary Bailey jumped into the water and pulled her and the bicycle to safety, with the help of his friends.

Mum Louise Hansen, who was not with Megan at the time, contacted the Times to express her gratitude to the teenagers. 'Teenagers probably have a bad time and bad reputation, so it is nice to be able to say they are not all bad.

'These three lads helped my daughter out — she could not have done it alone as it was about a six to eight feet drop,' she said. 'I would just like to say a big thank you and how much it was appreciated.'

Louise said her daughter was now 'fine, but covered in bruises'. Her husband had arrived on the scene quickly and thanked the boys, but she wished to add her own thanks.