THREE teenagers quick actions may have saved the life of a child who had fallen into a frozen-over lake and was trapped under the ice. The terrifying incident happened in the Town Centre Gardens in Stevenage on Friday. Rhys Berry, 15, Chay Hudner, 16, an

THREE teenagers' quick actions may have saved the life of a child who had fallen into a frozen-over lake and was trapped under the ice.

The terrifying incident happened in the Town Centre Gardens in Stevenage on Friday.

Rhys Berry, 15, Chay Hudner, 16, and Ryan Evans, 15, were walking through the park when the drama unfolded.

"A boy was walking by the side of the lake and he slipped over on a piece of ice and went into the water," explained Rhys, who lives in The Muntings in Stevenage. "The lake was frozen over and he was under the ice."

The three teenagers, all pupils at Barnwell School in Stevenage, raced over to the spot and Rhys dragged the youngster, believed to be a 10-year-old called Archie, from the ice-cold water.

"I leaned over the side and pulled him out," Rhys said. "He was under the water for quite a long time, and he was crying when we got him out."

While Ryan, of Rockingham Way in Stevenage, dialled 999, Rhys gave the child most of his clothes to keep warm, before carrying him to shelter in Harrow Court.

Paramedics arrived and took the youngster to Lister Hospital in Stevenage, where he was checked over and later discharged.

The three teenagers have all been presented with certificates of commendation by the East of England Ambulance Service for their quick actions that day.

Gary Sanderson, communications manager for the ambulance service, said: "It was an absolute pleasure to present the three lads with their commendation certificates. Their prompt actions have no doubt contributed to the boy's quick recovery, well done to them all."

He added: "This unfortunate incident has highlighted the dangers of ice and I am urging the public to stay well clear of frozen waters. You never know how thick the ice may be, and the dangers of going onto the ice are too great."

* Are you a family member of the boy who fell into the lake, or do you know him? Please call The Comet's newsdesk on 01438 866200 or email editorial@thecomet.net