TWO East Lancashire police officers were today receiving bravery awards for rescuing a man from a blazing house.

Julia Fort and Michael Baker, based at Nelson, were awarded certificates of commendation from the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society.

The awards were presented at Pennine Division Headquarters in Parker Lane, Burnley by Pendle MP Gordon Prentice and Divisional Police Commander Chief Superintendent Knowles.

Mr Prentice said: "The rescue took place five minutes before the fire brigade arrived. The chances are the man who was rescued would have perished in the flames if the police had waited for the firefighters.

"This act of bravery by two Nelson police officers should be applauded. Their decision to go in made the difference between life and death."