A 10-year-old hero has been praised for his quick thinking when he saved a toddler from drowning in a pond.

Jack Doyle, from Purley, was playing in his back yard with some friends when he noticed 20-month-old Harry Hopkins slip into their pond.

While the other children screamed for the adults, brave Jack ran over and pulled the tot to safety.

The pupil from Stanley Park Junior School in Sutton said: “He slipped into the pond and started splashing around.

“I was worried and scared because he was in danger. I reached my hand down and pulled him out.

“He was crying, when I pulled him out. I called for the adults.”

Grateful mum Lucy Perryman, 35, from Coulsdon, said she could not thank Jack enough for his courage.

The mum of three had been visiting her friend Alison Utting when the incident happened.

Harry’s brother Joseph had been playing with Jack and Harry in the garden.

She said: “My son and her two children were playing in the back garden. I went to check on them and I had literally come back inside and sat down when I heard the children yelling ‘Harry is in the pond.’ “I raced outside and found Jack had pulled him out. He was soaked through and covered in green algae. He was very upset, he was crying.

“I am amazed at Jack’s quick thinking and very, very grateful.

“It did not really hit me until I got home and realised Harry could have drowned.”

She said her little son does not seem any worse off for his ordeal.

“He is fine but does have a bad cough and cold, I’m not sure if that is because of the cold water.”

Jack’s mum Alison said she was very proud of her courageous son.