A British grandad has died while trying to save his two grandchildren after they were swept out to sea in Crete.

The 61-year-old was able to help his two grandsons aged, seven and ten years old to reach the shore but wasn’t able to make it himself.

According to reports from amna.gr, the grandad who was on holiday with his family decided to go for an afternoon swim in Gouves, Heraclion, with the two boys on Tuesday.

The children were swimming when they suddenly got swept by the strong waves.

The grandad immediately jumped into the water to save them but the trio struggled to get to the shore.

According to Greek Coastguard spokesperson Euthimis Douvis, the hero grandad tried to help the two boys but he didn’t make it.

A lifeguard who was in the area was able to rescue the children while the grandad was trying to keep them on the water’s surface.

Once the boys were safe, an eywitness who worked nearby and rushed to help rescue the man revealed that: “We were trying to pull him out but the currents were too strong and we couldn’t.

“With the help of the Coast Guard, the man’s body was eventually retrieved and taken to the boat.”

An ambulance was waiting at the shore but the 61-year old was eventually pronounced dead at the scene.

The two grandchildren are still in shock but not physically injured. They are currently at the hospital and under observation.

What a brave thing to do! May his soul rest in peace, Amen.