A former Perin's School pupil has been presented with one of the highest peacetime awards for bravery.

Flight Sergeant Tim Thompson, son of Trevor and Julia Thompson, who live in Jesty Road, New Alresford, was involved in a dramatic sea rescue at the foot of cliffs at a North Devon beauty spot last year.

And last week, the brave serviceman, who lives at Landkey near Barnstaple, received the Air Force Cross from Prince Charles for his part in the rescue of 35-year old climber, Adrian Hodgson, who fell 120 ft down cliffs at Baggy Point, near Croyde.

The award, exceeded in peacetime only by the George Cross, was given to Tim for his "outstanding bravery, presence of mind and fortitude" during the rescue.

He was duty winchman on September 24th, when the emergency call came through. He was lowered to the casualty, who had fallen on a narrow ledge which was being battered by waves from the rising tide.

He freed himself from the winch and managed to put Mr Hodgson on a stretcher when he noticed a large wave approaching.

Tim managed to keep the injured climber on the stretcher and hold it above the water level, but another breaker came along and pushed him further into the gully.

Tim's foot became trapped, but he became completely submerged by the waves. He fought to free himself and managed to climb out of the water and get back to the man on the stretcher.

The citation reads: "Despite the precarious situation, Thompson unselfishly elected not to secure himself to the ledge, as this would have hindered his treatment of the casualty and made it extremely difficult to place him into a stretcher.

"He noticed a large wave approaching. Warning the others, he held onto the stretcher and shielded the casualty, but both were washed into the sea. Whilst under water, Thompson displayed great courage in doing his utmost to ensure the casualty remained clear by holding the stretcher resolutely up, even when his own head was totally immersed.

"Throughout the rescue Flt. Sgt Thompson placed the care of those around him above his own safety. In ignoring the danger to himself and preventing the casualty from drowning, he displayed outstanding bravery, presence of mind and fortitude in the finest tradition of the Royal Air Force."

Tim, aged 34, was born and brought up in Alresford and educated at Sun Hill and Perin's schools. From school, he went straight into the Royal Air Force.

Mum and dad, Julia and Trevor, are naturally very proud of their son, who is married to Caroline. They have two children, Hannah and Benjamin. The family were all present to see Tim receive his award at Buckingham Palace.