Two fishermen and an off-duty fireman have been commended for their bravery after saving a woman from a sinking car that plunged into an Aberdeenshire harbour.

Retained firefighter Kevin Smith and fishermen Rustam Psiancin and Hisona Gilbert were honoured for their bravery by the Royal Humane Society after pulling the woman from the water at Macduff harbour in October 2015.

Mr Psiancin, 43, from Lithuania, and Mr Gilbert, from the Philippines, who were both working on the Orkney-registered fishing boat The Keila at the time, went into the water and secured line around the car.

They attached the line to the harbour wall and stopped the car from sinking.

Meanwhile, Mr Smith, 43, a service training officer with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, entered the water and managed to pull the woman to safety after prising open the car door.

The woman was taken by air ambulance to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in a critical condition but went on to make a full recovery.

Mr Smith, who has been in the fire service for 26 years, previously picked up a Worshipful Company of Security Professionals award for the rescue.

He said: "It's been called an act of bravery but I find that quite embarrassing because I just did my job.

"We made a good team on the day and being water rescue-trained was definitely a bonus.

"I am just delighted we were able to save the lady's life."

Mr Psiancin and Mr Smith were presented with their awards by area commander chief inspector Elaine Logue and inspector Sheila McDerment this week.

Inspector Neil Campbell said: "These men put their own safety to one side that day and did not give up until the woman was rescued.

"Their quick-thinking actions undoubtedly saved a life and as such are fully deserving of such a prestigious award."