AN Oxford hero who pulled a man out of a sinking van in the River Thames is up for a bravery award.

Dale Chamberlain is in the final 10 contenders for an Amplifon Brave Britons award.

He was nominated by a member of public for the Act of Courage category in the awards which are run by a private hearing healthcare company.

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Four finalists will be selected in each category and the winner will be chosen in October by a judging panel chaired by Falklands War veteran Simon Weston.

Mr Chamberlain, 29, was in his garden in South Oxford, at 2am on Saturday, April 18, when he heard a splash.

When he looked out and saw a van sinking he tore off his jacket and jumped into the river.

He managed to drag the driver through the window and to the river bank.

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The van was later pulled out of the river in an operation co-ordinated by the Environment Agency.

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Asked if he felt that fate had played any part in his being the right person in the right place at the right time on Saturday morning, he said: “It was just bloody good timing.

“If I hadn’t gone out to put my chisels away then I might have just left it.

“I’m glad I was out and I hope he’s alright."