A MAN who saved the life of a pensioner who fell into Newton Abbot’s River Lemon is being considered for bravery awards, it emerged yesterday.

Asda worker and former soldier Terry Wotton from Kingsteignton held the 66-year-old casualty’s head above water for some 15 to 20 minutes before firefighters arrived to pluck the injured and unconscious victim to safety.

The injured man’s family have already acknowledged the debt they owe Mr Wotton for his heroics last Saturday afternoon.

And fire chiefs confirmed that the selfless supermarket worker was being considered for a special Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service commendation.

A spokesman added that Mr Wotton’s actions were also the subject of discussions for possible recognition by the Royal Humane Society which rewards public acts of worth.

Mr Wotton was with his wife Laura and son Oliver when he saw the casualty and jumped in to save him.

The man, known as Peter, was later said to be in a stable condition in Plymouth’s Derriford Hospital after being transferred from Torbay Hospital.

He is thought to have stumbled and fallen into the river from a disused access bridge between the Asda superstore and Baker’s Park on Saturday at about 10.15am.

Firefighters who plucked him to safety some 20 minutes after the accident immediately praised Mr Wotton’s prompt actions.

Firefighters in dry suits used ladders and specialist rescue equipment to haul the pensioner out of the water on a stretcher and on to dry land.

Police initially described his injuries as life-threatening. But his condition was later described as stable.

A fire spokesman said: ‘His impressive efforts undoubtedly saved this man’s life. He did extremely well. We are now looking at official recognition for his meritorious actions.’

The drama unfolded not far from where tragic teacher Nick Mutton jumped into the river three years ago in a desperate attempt to save his dog.