A SCHOOLBOY has been hailed as a lifesaver after jumping into a swimming pool to save his toddler cousin from drowning.

Eight-year-old Kian Allsebrook, of Aspley, came to the rescue of the three-year-old, who had slipped and fallen into a pool on the first day of a family holiday in Majorca.

Quick-thinking Kian leapt into the water and managed to pull Owen Marcouse, of Clifton, to safety.

Kian said: "We were playing and I saw Owen near the steps. I heard a big splash and thought he was just swimming but then I saw his head go under. I just thought I had to go in there and get him.

"I grabbed him and pulled him to the side. He was crying and had swallowed some water. Everyone thanked me for saving him."

Kian has been recognised for his actions under the Nottingham's Proud of You Awards 2009, run by Trent FM and Nottingham City Council.

Kian, a pupil at St Mary's Catholic Primary School in Hyson Green, has won the Trent FM Local Hero Award for his lifesaving act, which took place in August.

Kian's mother, Rachel Williams, nominated her son for the award, which he received last week.

She said her nephew, Owen, who is now four, could easily have drowned in the accident if Kian hadn't have acted.

The mum-of-three, 36, of Melbourne Road, Aspley, said: "I just feel really proud and I'm over the moon. He deserved it for what he did."

She said Kian's actions were all the more impressive as he hated the sight of water three years ago. He now attends weekly swimming lessons at Beechdale Swimming Centre in Bilborough.

She said: "The reason I started taking him swimming is because he didn't like water. He is now a strong swimmer."

Kian will be among the Nottingham's Proud of You Award winners who will attend a civic reception with the Lord Mayor at Nottingham's Council House on November 24.

Each winner will receive a cheque for £250 to donate to a charity or community project of their choice.

Coun Jane Urquhart, Nottingham City Council's portfolio holder for Area Working, said: "The Proud of You Awards recognise outstanding actions by city residents of all ages. This was an outstanding act of bravery by Kian and he is a worthy winner of the Trent FM Local Hero Award for his actions."

bryan.henesey@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk