A man who fell through the rotting timbers of a derelict pier into the sea says he owes his life to his friend - who can't even swim.

John Cowell, 33, was drinking on the beach with 27-year-old Tony Anderson when they decided to explore the West Pier in Brighton.

They climbed up one of the supports and managed to get past barbed wire aimed at deterring people from the unsafe pier.

The two men, who came to Brighton and Hove earlier this year to seek work, explored the pavilion at the end of the pier.

But the rotting timber floor crumbled and John fell about 30ft into the sea below. Tony rushed to the front of the pier and got a passer-by to alert the emergency services on his mobile phone.

But when he heard his friend's cries for help, Tony plunged into the icy water, even though he is a non-swimmer.

He guided John towards a cross bar on the pier and they hung on until the Brighton lifeboat pulled them out.

Both men were taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton where John was detained overnight.

John, who comes from Bridlington, said: "They said I was lucky to survive. My temperature had fallen to only 27 degrees.

"I can't thank Tony enough. He can't even swim and he went in the sea. He saved my life. My mate is a hero."

Tony, who comes from Hull, said: "I did what I could. The water was absolutely freezing."

The two men are staying at St Patrick's night shelter in Cambridge Road, Hove, prior to getting a permanent home.

John said: "My hands are all scratched from the mussels on the pier but I am lucky to be alive.

"I would like to give a warning to other people not to go on to the pier."

Rachel Clarke, general manager of the Brighton West Pier Trust, said: "No one should go on the pier because it is dangerous. That is why we have stopped tours of it and why it is covered with notices."

A Solent coastguard spokesman confirmed the lifeboat carried out the rescue. A helicopter was sent but was not needed.

The water is eight degrees centigrade (46F) at present and survival times are about 45 minutes, roughly the time John spent in the sea.