A POLICEMAN from Grange-over-Sands who saved a boy from drowning has been honoured in a national bravery award scheme.

Sergeant Richie Vernon, of Kendal police, rescued the six-year-old boy, who had been caught in a rip-tide at Sharrow Point, Whitsand Bay,

Cornwall, in 1999.

Mr Vernon, who was on holiday with his family at the time, had to swim 30 or 40 yards to reach the boy.

When he got there, Ben Radnor was face down in the water and no longer breathing.

Mr Vernon gave mouth-to-mouth resuscitation while they were still in the water and managed to revive the boy as his mother watched helplessly from the beach.

For his brave off-duty deed, Mr Vernon was nominated as the Cumbria Constabulary representative in the Police Bravery awards run by The Sun newspaper and the Police Federation.

Mr Vernon said the award ceremony at the Savoy in London, hosted by Crimewatch's Nick Ross, was: "The equivalent of the BAFTAs for the police."

"It was an exceptionally proud moment.

I think every person there was made to feel very special.

We were looked after regally - it was an experience I will not forget."

The treatment for the heroes also included a visit to 10 Downing Street to meet Prime Minister Tony Blair and his young son Leo.

Mr Vernon said he was not disappointed to miss out on winning the top regional award or the national award: "There were certainly people there that did braver things than me." He also said he would be holidaying in then same part of Cornwall this year and was planning to meet the boy and his parents.

l The top bravery award for the North West was shared by Lancashire policeman David Bentley and two officers from Greater Manchester Police.

The national award went to Robert Greenall from Sussex.