By Claire Warrender

TWO EAGLE-EYED eight-year-olds have been hailed heroes after helping to ensure that a missing pensioner was found safe and well.

Ryan Forrester and Declan Taylor remained cool when they discovered 79-year-old Annie Forbes, who suffers from dementia, lying in a ditch near the River Leven last Wednesday afternoon—and their actions may have saved her life.

Mrs Forbes, only 4ft 6in and described as vulnerable, had been missing from Abbotsford Nursing Home for most of the day, and Fife Police had issued appeals for information to help trace her.

Despite sightings on Leven High Street, officers were unable to find her quickly and were becoming increasingly concerned for her well-being.

Ryan, of Kirkland Walk, Methil, and Declan, of Gallacher Avenue, Leven, had been told a lady had gone missing before they went out to play after school that afternoon.

Ryan’s mum Nicola Annan said the boys had a den near the former Glencast steelworks in Methil Brae and were on their way there at around 4pm when they spotted Mrs Forbes, partially concealed by bushes.

The quick-thinking youngsters decided Declan should stay with the pensioner while Ryan ran for help.

“He came bursting into the house and said he thought he’d found the old lady and told me to phone an ambulance,” said Mrs Annan.

“My partner Tam Dougall went back with Ryan and I phoned 999. Thankfully, apart from a few bruises, Mrs Forbes was all right.”

Nicola added, “I think they’re a couple of wee heroes. I was so chuffed with them for the way they acted because they didn’t turn their back on her.”

She described the boys as very sensible, adding, “They actually saved a life because I don’t think anybody would have thought to have looked for her there.”

Mrs Forbes’ son Brian was said to be very grateful to Ryan and Declan and has already visited them to thank them personally.

Fife Police agreed the boys had been very brave, and a spokesman said, “The boys who found Mrs Forbes acted in a very responsible manner.

“They were obviously concerned for her safety and well-being.

“Their actions are very commendable and worthy of praise.”