LIFEBOAT heroes are to receive a top national award for bravery following a dramatic rescue.

Brighton lifeboat volunteer Mark Hayes, 27, plunged into stormy seas off Brighton Marina last December to go to the aid of a sailor.

Helmsman Mark Smith, 36, manoeuvred the lifeboat as ten foot waves threatened to dash the craft against the rocks.

Now Mr Hayes, a hotel manager, and Mr Smith, a BT manager, are being honoured with an RNLI award for the bravest rescue carried out during 1997 by an Atlantic class lifeboat.

An RNLI spokesman said: "This award is for outstanding bravery."

The drama began when a yacht was hit by two giant waves and capsized, throwing skipper Ron Moles, 49, from Haywards Heath, into the sea.

Alifeline was thrown but Mr Moles was too exhausted to grab it so Mr Hayes jumped in and swam to the stricken sailor. Crew members pulled the two on to the lifeboat where Mr Moles was given mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, but he died the next day.

His widow, Christine said: "They are very brave and they deserve the award. They risked their lives to save Ron."

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