British man dies saving girlfriend's son and dog from river on Philippines holiday

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A British man has died after rescuing his partner's son and dog from a swollen river while on holiday in the Philippines.

Mark Selby, 45, had been swimming with his girlfriend, Mary Anne Cruz, and her two sons in the Balanac River, when the older boy was dragged into strong currents.

Mr Selby, a computer programmer originally from Stroud, Gloucestershire, went after the boy and carried him on his shoulders until a lifeguard from a nearby resort plucked him from the water.

He then went back to rescue the family dog, Molly, but was then unable to make it to shore himself, according to the Western Daily Press.

His body was pulled from the water in Pagsanjan in Laguna not long after on 29 December.

The group had been staying at the Villa Socorro Agri-Eco Village and Farm Resort when the incident occurred.

Speaking to the Mirror, Mark's sister Debbie Poulter said: "Basically they were all swimming in the river and they all got caught up in the current.

"Mark had one of the lads on his shoulder and he passed him to the guy who came to help.

"Then he pushed the dog towards shore, as if to help her out, but then he disappeared under the water. He died saving the others.

She added: "He was very skilled, very clever when it came to computers - his job took him all over the world."

Mark had moved to Manila for work, and had met Mary Anne there. His sister said he had been planning to buy a house with her, adding: "He had been so happy."

According to the Daily Mail, in an online profile, Mark had written: "Away from the computer you will likely find me climbing volcanoes, riding horses, swimming, boat riding, cycling, cooking, scuba diving, sampling beer or sleeping."