A LOCAL border checkpoint soldier, who has been awarded 20,000 yuan (US$2,500) for a lifesaving deed, said Friday (Dec 8) he will donate the money to Project Hope.

Lin Qincheng, from Shenquan Township, Huilai County in eastern Guangdong, was walking by the sea during a hometown vacation in August when he heard cries for help.

Two brothers, 7-year-old Fang Zeliang and 9-year-old Fang Zefang, had fallen into the sea and despite a crowd of several hundred onlookers, no one went to help. Fang Jinliang, their father, cried in despair because he could not swim.

Lin heard the cries and rushed to the scene. Finding out what happened, he jumped straight into the rough sea, swam close to the boys and brought them back to the shore. Later, Lin helped the father take the brothers to hospital. He stayed overnight with the family and left them all the money he was carrying.

Lin kept the lifesaving story secret from his brigade. It was not until two days later that the boys'grateful father came to Shenzhen to thank him that his heroic deed was revealed.

Zhang Zhenfang, chairman of the local Heroes'Foundation, on Friday gave Lin a certificate and 20,000 yuan to laud his action. Lin said he will donate the money to Project Hope."Poor students need the money more than I do,"he told the Shenzhen Special Zone Daily yesterday.

More than 900 locals have been awarded the hero's title, since the foundation was established in 1992.

Editor: Wing