A MOTHER and daughter who risked their lives to save a man threatening to jump off a bridge have won a prestigious national award for their bravery.

Paula Woolven, 42, and Becca, 19, sprang into action when they saw the man standing on the Newhaven swing bridge earlier this year and looking as if he was about to plunge 20ft into the River Ouse.

After calling police, Mrs Woolven approached the man and tried to calm him down.

The man then lost his grip and started to fall so Mrs Woolven and her daughter both flung themselves against the railing and grabbed his arms.

They bore the brunt of his weight for a few seconds until a policeman reached them and also got hold of him.

He was then dragged to safety and received mental health treatment.

The pair, from Telscombe Cliffs, were successfully nominated by Sussex Police for a Royal Humane Society award.

They will both be presented with Testimonials on Parchment at a ceremony later this year.

These are awarded where someone has put themselves in danger to save, or attempt to save, someone else.