Three holidaymakers have been praised this week for their heroic part in a dramatic sea rescue.

The trio pulled two 19-year-old swimmers from the sea after they got into difficulties off Manorbier Beach on Tuesday afternoon.

The alarm was raised shortly before 3 pm when Paul Ringer and his friend Steven Hayward, of Northfield, Birmingham, got stuck in the surf approximately 100 yards from the shore.

Their shouts for help were heard by 18-year-old Kate Johnson and her boyfriend Chris Meads who watched the drama unfolding and dashed to the water's edge to help.

"We saw the swimmers enter the water and then they got separated," explained Kate, who lives in Leighton Buzzard.

"We could hear them screaming and could see that although there were people nearer to them than us, they were not reacting, so we ran down to see what was happening."

Kate, who has first aid training and basis lifeguard skills under her belt, then rushed into the water and went to Paul's aid and pulled him from the water, while fellow beach-goer Rob Bradley, of Gloucester, and Dave Kidner, who was on holiday with the boys and staying in Reynalton, both rescued Steven.

"I just did what anyone else would have done," Kate, who has just completed her A levels, modestly admitted afterwards.

"It was very cold, but I feel fine now," she said.

"I just came down to spend a nice quiet holiday with my boyfriend and his family in St. Florence and this happens."

Milford Haven Coastguard received several emergency calls reporting the two swimmers in difficulty.

Tenby's inshore lifeboat was duly launched and the town's coastguard unit dispatched.

A rescue helicopter from RAF Chivenor, which was already airborne in the Swansea area, was also diverted to the scene. Police officers and an ambulance crew also attended, along with the Manorbier Range safety boat, 'Reclaim'.

On arrival at the scene, the emergency teams found that the casualties had already been brought ashore.

Two coastguard team members administered first aid to the two swimmers at the water's edge, before they were both airlifted to Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest, by the helicopter.

The two were treated for hypothermia and were released later that evening.

Kate was also suffering from hypothermia, and was taken by ambulance to Withybush Hospital, where she was checked over before being released.

"The rescuers are life-savers," said Steven afterwards.

"We just went for a paddle, but the current took us out. We tried to swim back, but just kept going under."

Said Dave Miller, HM Coastguard South Pembs. Sector Manager: "The two boys are very lucky to have survived and it is all thanks to the efforts of the rescuers."