This video shows how a North East diplomat bravely dived into a river to save a drowning woman.
Stephen Ellison, 61, originally from Newcastle, who is just a month into his role as British consul-general in Chongqing, China, has been dubbed a hero for his actions.
The footage shows how he promptly took off his shoes, jumped into the water and swam towards the unconscious girl, who was seen floating face down. He then helped her to safety.
A bystander can be seen throwing a lifebuoy to the pair, which appeared to help pull them to the bank of the river.
The office of the British Consulate General in the municipality confirmed Mr Ellison had been visiting the town of Zhongshan, when he heard shouts as the young woman slipped from some rocks into the water.
Mr Ellison told the BBC: "She was unconscious, she was not breathing and for a short time we feared the worst. But as we got back to the side, she started breathing again."
The British Embassy in Beijing tweeted: "We are all immensely proud of our Chongqing Consul General, Stephen Ellison, who dived into a river on Saturday to rescue a drowning student and swim her to safety."
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said he was "very proud" of Mr Ellison.
He tweeted: "Very proud of Stephen Ellison, our new Consul General in Chongqing, China, for saving a student from drowning at the weekend.
"His bravery and commitment demonstrates the very best of British diplomats around the world."
The BBC reports that the woman, who has not been named, is a 24-year-old student, who is said to be "extremely grateful" for the rescue, and has reportedly invited the diplomat to dinner with her family next weekend.
Mr Ellison is originally from Newcastle, and is now head of the British mission in Chongqing - where his role involves supporting trade links between Britain and China. He has lived and worked in China for the last nine years.
