Local divers involved in Thai cave rescue among Pride of Britain winners

Divers who risked their lives to help rescue 12 young Thai footballers who were trapped in a flooded cave have said they feel “honoured” to be recognised at the Pride Of Britain Awards.

The group were presented with an Outstanding Bravery Award after they took food and supplies through the caves to the boys before bringing every child out to safety.

Diver John Volanthen from Bristol said the award was “unexpected” and stressed that many other people were involved in the rescue.

“We are the tip of a very large iceberg,” he said. “We’re the visible part but we are supported by the British Cave Rescue Council and everyone underneath.

“It wasn’t just us, we were part of an international team. We played our part but it was bigger than us.”

Fellow diver Connor Roe from Somerset said his main memory of the rescue was “when everybody was out of the cave, all the rescue team, everybody involved was out of the cave safe”.

“It was as a job done,” he said. “It was an unfortunate incident and we were able to assist in a large team.”