Harvey Shumack rescued the boy on holiday in Devon last year – his brave act has received recognition from Bear Grylls, Chief Scout

An 11-year-old member of 2nd/4th Barry Scout group has earned a top award from Chief Scout Bear Grylls after "selflessly" rescuing an autistic boy from drifting out to sea on an inflatable lilo.

Harvey Shumack was on holiday in Devon with his family in August last year when the incident happened.

He said it was "just something he had to do".

"We were at Torbay beach. I was in the water and a mum started shouting," said Harvey.

"Her son had started to float out on an airbed and he was autistic.

"She started to panic, so I swam out to grab onto the air bed and pull it back."

His mum Emma described how Harvey was roughly the distance of a football pitch out from the shore.

"I could just see Harvey's head disappearing," she said.

"He didn't really see any big issue with it. He told me 'I knew I'd be all right. I knew I could just hang on and swim back.'

"It brings tears to my eyes now, but it was only later on when I thought how it could have all gone so wrong."

Harvey himself suffers with reactive arthritis and at times has had to use crutches or even a wheelchair.

"It's a really good thing for Harvey to be able to do because he was obviously having a strong day," said Emma.

"I'm really proud."

In recognition of his bravery, Harvey received the Chief Scout's Personal Award from Bear Grylls, alongside a letter describing how he was "bowled over" by his achievement.

2nd/4th Barry Scout group leader Cassie Ricketts said these awards are rarely given out.

"The criteria for the award is not covered by any of the standard awards that we have, so it's something like quite exceptional," she said.

"Harvey is the first to get one in the district for as long as a lot of people can remember. It's quite significant for Harvey, and for the whole district."

Harvey was presented the award by the District Commissioner, and will now wear the special badge on the right side of his chest, distinguishing it from other Scouting awards.

He was also given a £20 voucher by the Morrison's Community Champion, which Harvey has put towards a pair of Vans trainers.