Mr Brown won personal praise for risking his life to save the woman

Tam Brown caught hypothermia after diving into the River Tay in March.

His actions, which breached Tayside Fire and Rescue policy, were the subject of an internal investigation.

He is to receive a Royal Humane Society testimonial on vellum signed and approved by the society's president, Princess Alexandra.

There are plans to present Mr Brown with the honour next week in Perth, near Queens Bridge where he rescued the 20-year-old on 6 March.

'Life on the line'

The 42-year-old, from Stanley, won personal praise from a society spokesman as the award was announced in London.

The spokesman said: "There was a real risk that Mr Brown could have drowned as he fought to save the woman. As it was he ended up having to be treated for hypothermia.

"He put his life on the line and richly deserves the award he is to receive."

Tam tied himself to a line, went in the water and grabbed the girl. The line snapped, but he held on and rescued her Jim Malone Fire Brigades Union

The Royal Humane Society citation described how Mr Brown went against "formal working practices" and volunteered to go into the water to save the woman, who was in "imminent danger" of drowning.

He swam 20m into the river wearing a harness and lifejacket attached to a rope, which broke.

The citation said: "Notwithstanding the difficulties of the current, the cold he was suffering from being in the water for some eight minutes and the burden of the woman, he held onto the woman and swam to the shore and safety.

"Both he and the woman were subsequently treated for hypothermia."

Proud tradition

Jim Malone from the Fire Brigades Union nominated Mr Brown for the award.

He told the BBC Scotland news website: "Tam tied himself to a line, went in the water and grabbed the girl. The line snapped, but he held on and rescued her.

I am delighted that Tam's important role in this rescue has been recognised by the Royal Humane Society. Stephen Hunter Tayside Fire and Rescue

"Tam went against brigade policy and asked if he would be disciplined.

"The union has been campaigning for more in-water training because this was the latest in a number of incidents at that location."

Mr Brown's bravery was praised by Tayside Fire and Rescue's chief fire officer.

Stephen Hunter told the BBC Scotland news website: "I am delighted that Tam's important role in this rescue has been recognised by the Royal Humane Society.

"His actions reflect the proud traditions of the fire and rescue service.