Pensioner saved from drowning by pub crew

Pub regulars saved a pensioner from drowning by plucking him from the icy waters of the Norfolk broads.

In a bizarre twist, this was the second time Darren Woollestone, a customer at the Yare in Norwich, had rescued someone from the same Brundall marina spot in two years.

Woollestone had previously pulled a pensioner from the river Yare in October 2008 but this time round he was part of a rescue team of eight pub goers.

The victim, who had just had two hip replacements, fell in at about 8pm from a gangplank leading to his boat as he and his wife carried items from their car.

Darren said: "We did what we had to do. We all worked together as a team. I am just glad we were able to help."

Proud Yare licensee Paul Lancaster said: "They all did a great job. They rallied round without thinking. They are a good bunch."

The man, who was just known to the group as Alan, was taken to Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital to be treated for shock and hypothermia.