A woman who risked her own life by plunging into freezing water in her pyjamas to rescue a drowning man has revealed how “adrenaline” kept her focused during the dramatic incident.

Carla Richardson said she was glad to be in the “right place at the right time” after saving the man from the Leeds-Liverpool canal at Riddlesden, Keighley.

The 39-year-old jumped into the water, swam to the man, turned him over and dragged him to the side.

Now her bravery has been honoured with a top award from the Royal Humane Society, presented yesterday.

On receiving the accolade at Airedale and North Bradford police headquarters in Keighley, she recalled the drama, which happened on October 30 last year.

Miss Richardson, who now lives in Thackley, was in her living room in Towpath House, Riddlesden, when she heard a loud splash.

Looking out of the window, she saw a man face down in the canal.

Still in her pyjamas, she dashed out, ringing 999 on her mobile and shouting “help, help help” at the same time.

She lowered herself into the freezing water, swam out and pulled the man to the side.

“I thought the canal was quite shallow and expected to be able to stand up but it was up to my nose, so I had to swim,” said Miss Richardson.

Hearing her calls, a neighbour ran to the scene and between them they managed to get him on to the towpath.

The 75-year-old local man was rushed to Airedale General Hospital and after time in intensive care, was returned home.

Miss Richardson, who works for Bradford Youth Offending Team, said: “I was just hoping he was still alive because he was face down. Luckily, when I turned him over, water came out of his mouth. Adrenaline kept me quite focused during the whole time, but once the ambulance people arrived and took over and reflection time set in, I realised the seriousness of the situation and went into slight shock.

“Really I only did what many people would have done in a similar situation and I was glad I was in the right place at the right time.”

Chief Supt Ian Kennedy, Divisional Commander of Airedale and North Bradford Police, said: “Carla’s award is richly deserved and it has given us great pleasure to see her selfless act recognised.

“To have acted in the way she did with no prior experience is truly exceptional and there is no doubt she may well have helped save this man’s life.

“By acting so selflessly Carla also put her own life at risk by running a real chance of hypothermia herself and she should be extremely proud of her actions in carrying out what was a brave and dangerous rescue.”