A WINDSURFER who battled in vain to save a drowning sailor is to be commended with a bravery award.

James Morris, 22, a watersports instructor with Gwent Adven-tures, at Llandegfedd Reservoir, was windsurfing there on September 17 last year when he saw 81-year-old Kenneth Jones fall overboard from his 14ft mirror dinghy and become trapped underneath.

Ignoring the choppy conditions created by strong gusts of wind, Mr Morris dived into the 35-metre-deep reservoir and managed to get the elderly man's head above water.

Head ranger Richard Poole arrived in a rescue boat and both he and the young instructor tried to resuscitate him on board, before paramedics took over on shore.

However, Mr Jones, a retired British Rail supervisor and keen yachtsman from Elizabeth Sparkes Close, Rogiet, had been underwater for almost five minutes and drowned.

Mr Morris, of Pentre Waun House, Coedypaen, near Usk, said: "I knew Ken for about ten years and he was one of those people you took time to talk to. I could see that he needed help and swam for a good minute or two to reach him. He was trapped and motionless and I presumed he was dead, but you never give up hope, you just keep trying."

Gwent coroner David Bowen, who recorded a verdict of accidental death, praised Mr Morris' "highly commendable" actions and recommended he be honoured by Gwent Police Chief Constable Keith Turner.

In turn, Mr Turner made a recommendation to the Royal Humane Society, which has now decided to present Mr Morris with a Testimonial on Parchment in recognition of his efforts. The society, originally formed by a group of doctors in 1774, is the leading UK organisation responsible for honouring lifesavers and those involved in heroic rescue incidents.

Its secretary, Major General Christopher Tyler, said: "Although, tragically, this man could not be saved, Mr Morris did everything that could be expected of him, and more.

The strong winds made conditions very treacherous, yet Mr Morris dived in without thought to his own safety and gave his all, swimming more than 30 metres in total."

Terry Sculley, owner of Gwent Adventures, said: "James is a qualified windsurfing instructor, so he is fully aware of what needs to be done in the event of an accident. However, it takes a lot of doing when it actually happens."

But modest Mr Morris added: "I just did what anyone would do - get there and do what you can. This award is nice, but I don't feel I deserve it as the outcome was tragic. I went to Ken's funeral and I was glad his family took a minute to thank me. That meant more than any award."

* Pictured: Kenneth Jones who died, pictured withg his wife, Nancy