The Herald recently caught up with three hero teens who rescued a pensioner from drowning 30 years ago.

On May 14, 1988, we reported that Sandy Wilson and David Wilson, both 13, and Stephen Muir, 16, received bravery awards after saving a 69-year-old woman from the River Garnock.

Last month, on the 30th anniversary of the trio’s heroic feat, the Herald requested any information on those involved. And we were delighted when David got in touch after Stephen saw our appeal.

David told the Herald: “I’ve not spoken about it for many, many years. It was a bit special at the time, but not anymore. It was Stephen that sent me the story [from the Herald last month].

“I don’t know where my award is. The house was cleared out after my mum and dad died, my sister might have it.”

Three decades on, the three friends live miles apart, but they still keep in touch.

David said: “I’m in touch with them on Facebook. Sandy’s living in Northern Ireland and Stephen’s somewhere in England - he’s a postman.

“I went to the army at 16. I was in the army for five years. I live in Germany now. I’m a window fitter.”

Sandy, David and Stephen, all from Dalry received bravery awards from top police officers for saving local pensioner Violet Sanders.

The boys pulled Violet out of the freezing waters when they saw her struggling in the river.

Sandy and David both jumped into the river and pulled her towards the bank. Stephen then helped them to keep the OAP warm by wrapping their jackets around her.

The brave trio, all from Dalry, were pictured with Chief Superintendent Derek McAllister and Chief Inspector John McCrae.

Asked if the lads kept in touch with the lady they rescued, David said: “No, I never ever seen her after that. Her nieces came round to my parent’s house to thank me. They gave us all £10.”