A FORMER taxi driver and security man who was presented with a life-saving award for pulling a man out of the River Kent during last February's floods has died aged 32.

Paul Huntington was born and educated in Hull before moving to Bowness six years ago. He and his family moved to South Lakeland for a better life and peace and quiet after his mother moved to the area and married a farmer. While living in Bowness Mr Huntington worked as a security guard for several businesses including The Hydro Hotel and, after two years, moved to Kendal where he set up his own taxi firm, Paul's Taxis.

It was while living in Kendal that he saved the life of a young man who had fallen into the River Kent last February despite the fact that he could not swim. A few weeks later he went to the aid of a road accident victim in Windermere whom he was unable to save.

However, he did receive commendations for his efforts.

"It happened this time last year," said his wife Kath.

"He used to say he didn't deserve the praise and he was just there at the right time but it was a very proud moment going down to London to receive the life-saving award."

Mr Huntington, who has two sisters, met his wife Kath in Hull 12 years ago and got married the day after his 21st birthday. The couple brought up four children: Peter, Rebecca, Michael and Kimberley.

He was described as a shy man who liked to keep his thoughts to himself. His wife said he was always there for anybody and trusted everyone no matter who they were. "If anybody needed anything doing he would do it," she said.

"He trusted everyone on one occasion he picked up a customer and the lad said a mate had gone off with his car, which had all the money in it and everything else.

"Paul lent him the money and never received anything back but that's the sort of person he was."

Mr Huntington had a passion for cars. He enjoyed taking engines apart and always had a dream of owning a Land Rover. He never liked routine and was winding down his taxi firm because it had become a routine. He had just started as a mechanic for a garage in Blackpool and had his own wagon. He was also a keen fisherman who enjoyed taking drives out in the Lake District enjoying the peace and quiet of the countryside.

"He was just so loving and caring. He always thought of others before himself,"she said.

Mr Huntington died at his Greengate, Kendal, home on January 31.