A 47-year-old grandfather is being considered for a bravery award after he died trying to save his grandson's life.

It is believed Peter Mantle died after helping 11-year-old, Lee Williams, to escape the fast rising spring tide at a west Wales beach.

Mr Mantle, had gone for a walk with his grandson on the beach at Aberporth near Cardigan.

Lee was found clinging to a ledge on the cliff face by a rescue team using thermal imaging equipment after the pair were apparently cut off by the tide. His grandfather's body was discovered nearby.

He has now been released from hospital after receiving treatment for hypothermia.

Rescue

Dyfed Powys Police, coastguards, and an inshore lifeboat were involved in the rescue operation on Saturday night after the pair failed to return from an afternoon walk in the Penbryn beach area near Aberporth, west Wales.

Lee was finally spotted at 2315 GMT by a coastguard rescue team.

He was then taken to Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest where he was detained overnight suffering from hypothermia.

A police spokeswoman said he was found clinging to the face of cliffs, 50ft from the base with his dog, Sophie, where they are believed to have been trapped for up to five hours.

It is believed the pair were forced to scale the cliffs after being cut off by an incoming high spring tide.

Coastguards at Milford Haven said the alarm was raised by family members when the boy and his grandfather failed to return from a walk.

Airlifted to safety

"The youngster was located and airlifted to hospital by police helicopter.

"It is still not clear whether there was an accident on the cliff or whether the adult was taken ill," said a coastguard spokesman.

Dyfed Powys Police believe the tragedy began when a high spring tide came in suddenly.

The boy was on a half-term visit from England to his grandparents who live in the Sarnau area.

Alarm

Police say they are now considering Mr Mantle for a posthumous bravery award for giving his life to save his grandson.

They are waiting to speak to the boy about the incident.

"We hope to speak to him about the circumstances of the tragedy when he is well enough after his ordeal," said a police spokesman.

A post mortem examination was due to be carried out on the boy's grandfather.