TWO Darton boys saved the life of a disabled man when his mobility scooter plunged into the River Dearne.
Ben Williamson, 11, and Philip Jackson, 15, were playing in a secluded pond at Longfields recreation ground on Wednesday afternoon when they heard a screech of tyres followed by a scream.
Phil Brook had lost control of his scooter and was hurtling down a drop of about 8ft into the pond, which is attached to the river.
To the boys’ horror, he flipped over and landed upside down in the 10 ft deep water.
Ben, of Darton Hall Drive, said: “We didn't have time to think we just knew we had to help him or he'd die.”
He and Philip swam over to Phil, managed to unbuckle his double locked seat belt and dragged him to the safety of the embankment.
Then dived back in for his scooter, fishing tackle and hat.
Phil, of Bridge Street, was taken to Barnsley hospital suffering from bruises and a bump to his head. He said: “I was going fishing then I just remember the scooter spinning out of control. I was lucky they were there, I'm very grateful.”
