A POLICE officer who helped save the life of a driver caught up in a serious crash on the A120 has been handed an award for his heroic actions.

PC Robert Cleal was one of the first officers to attend the collision last September.

PC Cleal gave first aid to a seriously injured man who was unconscious at the scene.

The man was later airlifted to hospital and thanks to the quick-thinking actions of PC Cleal and the medical attention from paramedics, the man survived his injuries.

The officer was one of seven recognised for his actions during a special ceremony held in Chelmsford last week.

PC Cleal was handed a commendation by Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington, who went on to praise all the officers who were recognised for their efforts.

He said: "It always brings me great pleasure to host these ceremonies to celebrate ordinary individuals taking extraordinary steps to help save the lives of others, protect the vulnerable and keep the people of Essex safe.

"It might be what our officers, staff and volunteers do on a daily basis but their actions are courageous and I take great pride in being able to award them."

Jane Gardner, Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner added: "It’s a privilege to be here today to pass on my thanks on behalf of the public.

"Each time I attend award ceremonies like these, every officer is so humble when accepting their awards.

"Speaking to the public at meetings, they are always grateful for the sacrifices and brave actions of their officers."

PC Cleal is the second officer to receive a commendation for his work at the scene of a crash on the A120.

PC Jonathan McDonald performed CPR for 40 minutes on Robbie Trundley, a 20-year-old man who was fatally injured in a collision last September.

An inquest earlier this year heard Mr Trundley, who lived in Biggleswade, had strayed onto the opposite side of the road near Salmon’s Corner shortly after navigating a turn in the road.

However, there was no evidence to suggest he had lost control and no faults were found in any of the vehicles involved.

Senior coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray ruled Mr Trundley died as a result of a road traffic collision.