An Australian backpacker today told how he plunged into rough seas to save a man who had fallen from a groyne on Hove beach.

Mick Lane, 26, was working on a seafront building site in Hove when he heard cries for help and saw a man being dragged out to sea.

The keen surfer, who has been in Brighton for a month, took off his boots, rushed into the sea, swam 60 yards and grabbed the drowning man.

He pulled him back to the beach and stayed with him until ambulance crews arrived.

The rescued man, who is in his 40s, was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital suffering from exposure.

Mr Lane said: "I've had 20 years' surfing and swimming experience so it wasn't very hard. I think anyone could have done it.

"I was in the right spot at the right time. The initial shock of getting into the water gave me a headache because it was really cold.

"When I got to the man he relaxed, lay on his back and I towed him in using a side stroke. He was gurgling and yelling at the same time."

The rescue alert, involving coastguards and the police helicopter, was sparked just before 10am.

Customers and staff at the Meeting Place restaurant on Hove sea wall witnessed the incident and were full of praise for Mr Lane.

Police and the coastguard are to recommend him for a bravery award.

Jennifer Murray from Brighton was having a coffee and witnessed the drama.

She said: "I went down to the water as the rescue was taking place and was told about the man who had gone in, 'Don't worry, that guy is a good surfer'. He undoubtedly saved the other man's life. "

Fellow workers at the nearby children's playground site also helped with the rescue.

Mr Lane, a carpenter, added: "It was cool to be able to do that for someone else."

Fellow builder Gordon Jones, 64, of Upper Beeding, said: "A woman ran up the beach and raised the alarm. She said the man had jumped in.

"If it wasn't for Mick the man would be dead. Some of the other lads tried to go into the sea but the waves knocked them back so Mick must be a really strong swimmer."