Two RNLI lifeboatmen who braved perilous seas to save two sailors are to be honoured by the Duke of Kent.

Eastbourne coxswain Mark Sawyer, 40, and mechanic Dan Guy, 23, are to be handed gallantry medals in London on May 22.

They showed courage when two sailors ran into difficulty as they tried to enter Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne, on board their 33ft yacht Paperchase on October 20 last year.

Waves up to 3m high swamped the boat, throwing the couple into the water as it began to sink. The woman was clinging to her semi-conscious partner.

As she was dragged on board the lifeboat with lifelines, she let go. Mr Guy leapt into the sea and dragged the man back to the boat, undoubtedly saving his life.

The couple, from Cowes on the Isle of Wight, were taken to hospital suffering from shock and hypothermia. Both made a full recovery.

Mr Sawyer will receive the RNLI's silver medal for gallantry and Mr Guy, of Eastbourne, will be awarded the bronze medal.