A hero who risked his life to save a drowning man’s daughter is to receive one of the country’s highest bravery awards.

Nick Briscoe, 39, plunged into pounding waves on Brighton seafront to pull Grace Eva-Reynolds to safety.

She had jumped in after her father Kevin “Wink”

Reynolds got into difficulty trying to rescue his Jack Russell terriers from stormy seas in January.

Mr Briscoe, 39, of Tilbury Place, Brighton, managed to save 13-year-old Grace and went back into the water to try to save her father.

He was unable to reach Mr Reynolds, 52, of Queen’s Park Road, Brighton, who was swept under the Palace Pier.

Mr Reynolds was knocked unconscious when a huge wave swept him into a groyne as he tried to rescue his two dogs.

The father-of-five’s body was later recovered by Brighton RNLI inshore lifeboat skippered by helmsman Mark Bell.

Mr Briscoe will be presented with a Royal Humane Society (RHS) testimonial on vellum signed by its president, Princess Alexandra.

Grace from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, will receive a certificate of commendation for her own bravery in trying to save her father.

Mr Bell paid tribute to Mr Briscoe, saying: “He acted without hesitation in entering a bitterly cold and appallingly rough sea to assist Grace from the water.

“His response undoubtedly saved her life. His actions during this tragic incident were truly inspiring.”

RHS secretary Dick Wilson added: “Nick Briscoe was, to put it bluntly, the right man in the right place at the right time.

“He undoubtedly saved Grace who had shown huge courage in going into raging waters to try to save her father.”

Mr Reynolds, a father-of-five, moved to Brighton after splitting amicably from his wife eight years ago.

Grace was visiting him and her sister Lauren, 26, who also lives in Brighton, when the tragedy happened on January 8.

They were taking his dog Marley for a walk on the beach with a second dog owned by his new partner.

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