A former policeman and ambulanceman, who was awarded a medal of commendation for saving a man who fell from Ryde Pier, has died aged 86.

Barry "Bullseye" Newnham was given the commendation by Hampshire Constabulary and later went on to save a child stranded on Ryde Sands.

He was born in Shanklin on May 1, 1933, one of four brothers and one sister.

Mr Newnham was evacuated to live at the Sportsman's Rest in Porchfield when his father went to fight in the Second World War.

He attended Locks Green School and then Denmark Road School in Cowes before joining the RAF for National Service, when he was stationed in Scotland and Germany.

On his return to civilian life, Mr Newnham joined the Hampshire and IW Constabulary and served in Alton and Eastleigh as well as on the Island.

After he left the police, he joined the IW Ambulance Service before becoming an ambulance driver instructor in Wiltshire, serving the south west.

A keen sportsman, he played football for Sandown in his youth, was an Island champion tennis player and also enjoyed badminton and table tennis. He later went on to play bowls for Camphill and Plessey clubs.

His wife Joan (Stevie) died four years ago.

Mr Newnham is survived by their daughter, Della Oliver, son-in-law Nigel, three grandsons, Aaron, Alex and Jack, and two great granddaughters.

The funeral will take place at the IW Crematorium at 11.15am on Friday, December 13. Mr Newnham requested no black is worn and his "final fling" will be afterwards at Porchfield Cricket Club, Coleman's Lane.