A teenager has been awarded a police bravery award after rescuing an Ayrshire nine-year-old girl after she was blown out to sea on an inflatable toy last year.

Liam Erskine was on his paddle-board last August when the little girl got into difficulty at Saltcoats and he heard screams.

He was able to reach the child and was hailed a hero for his quick reactions on what could have resulted in a potentially tragic incident.

READ MORE: Girl rescued in Saltcoats by heroic paddle-boarder who then needed help

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Liam Erskine selflessly grabbed his paddleboard and made his way to the girl. Liam showed remarkable courage throughout the rescue and the Coastguard credited his quick actions."

The Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team said at the time: “The quick actions of the paddle boarder without a doubt saved the young girl from a situation which could have had a tragic ending.”