Local hero Kevin Thompson was presented with an award for his bravery after rescuing a dog walker from Haltwhistle who had fallen in the River Tyne by Hexham MP Guy Opperman.

Kevin, a greenkeeper at Tynedale golf course, pulled the Haltwhistle dog walker out of the river using a life belt, before taking him back to the clubhouse in his golf buggy to receive emergency medical care. Thankfully the man was unharmed.

Presenting the Hexham Constituency Community Champion Award with County Councillor Trevor Cessford and David Hunt from Northumberland County Council, Mr Opperman said: “I was so pleased to meet Kevin and to hear all about his heroics that day. Kevin’s bravery could have saved the life of the dog walker and he is very deserving of this award- he is truly a Community Champion.”