A girl of 14 who risked her own life trying to save a drowning boy has been awarded one of Britain’s highest honours for bravery.

Shelby Quigley, 14, was taking part in a Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Expedition when she spotted 15-year-old Lotus Bowker struggling in the fast-flowing River Wyre, in Lancashire.

Quick-thinking Shelby took off her clothing and walking boots and dived into the water.

She surfaced to take a breath and then went back under and found Lotus on the river bed.

Shelby, from Lytham St Annes, also Lancs, managed to bring the teenager to the surface but was almost fully submerged herself in the deep water until a male passer-by waded in to help.

They dragged Lotus to the bank, where attempts were made to resuscitate him.

Lotus was airlifted to Royal Preston Hospital before being transferred to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, but sadly died the following day.

Now Shelby’s courage has been recognised with the rarely awarded Royal Humane Society Silver Medal for outstanding bravery.

Shelby Quigley, 14, risked her own life by diving into the River Wyre to rescue 15-year-old Lotus Bowker who got into difficulty while swimming with friends

Lotus Bowker, 15, had a developmental learning disorder which meant he had communication difficulties and ‘didn’t know risk’. His parents had warned him previously about swimming in the river

The spot on the River Wyre, near Garstang, where Lotus and his friends entered the water

Andrew Chapman, secretary of the Royal Humane Society, said: ‘What she did was truly incredible for one so young.

‘Sadly, the boy died in hospital later, but without doubt Shelby gave him the best possible chance of survival.

‘Few people would have persisted in the way she did when they were so close to drowning themselves.

‘Somehow though she stayed calm and showed incredible bravery.

‘Very few people are awarded our silver medals but she richly deserves it.

‘She was a true heroine.’

Lotus was one of a number of people who died in open-water incidents during a heatwave in May last year.

The teenager, from Kirkham, had jumped into the river, near Garstang, with three friends on May 17 despite not being able to swim properly.

He had a developmental learning disorder which meant he had communication difficulties and ‘didn’t know risk’.

His condition also affected his ability to judge danger, and he often tried to cope by copying his peers.

His mum, Andromeda, had warned him not to enter open water and later described him as ‘easily led’.

At an inquest last October, area coroner Emma Mather concluded Lotus died by misadventure caused by the unintended consequences of an intended act.

She said: ‘Lotus was potentially quite easily led, in part because of his disorder … and I also find that this affected his ability to weigh up risks.

‘He has been encouraged by his friends to swim and jump, but he was not pushed by his friends or bullied.’

Following Lotus’ death his father David released a statement warning of the dangers of river and open water swimming.

He said: ‘Our son Lotus was such a lovely boy. He meant the world to me, my wife, daughter and four sons.

‘I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. Those waters aren’t meant to be swam in. I want any individuals and especially youngsters to think twice before visiting these dangerous locations.’