A FATHER who risked his life to save two police officers has been honoured with the Jill Dando Award. John Farley, of St Margarets in Stevenage, was presented with the prestigious honour, given to the most courageous civilian, at The Police Bravery Awards

A FATHER who risked his life to save two police officers has been honoured with the Jill Dando Award.

John Farley, of St Margarets in Stevenage, was presented with the prestigious honour, given to the most courageous civilian, at The Police Bravery Awards last Thursday.

The 52-year-old, who works as a HGV driver for Argos, pulled two constables from their burning patrol car and carried them to safety.

Their vehicle was ablaze after a head-on crash with a drunk driver, 19-year-old Charlotte Edwards, who died at the scene in Stanborough Road, in Welwyn Garden City, in June 2007.

Mr Farley was honoured alongside Britain's bravest bobbies at a special ceremony in London.

The father-of-two met Prime Minister Gordon Brown at Downing Street before being presented with the award by Jill Dando's co-presenter on Crimewatch, Nick Ross.

Proud wife Celia said: "It was a wonderful day, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

"John doesn't think he did anything out of the ordinary."

Mr Farley, who drives past the crash site twice a day, said the award was a big surprise.

"I've met both officers since the crash and they thanked me, which is good enough for me," he said.

The Police Bravery Awards is organised by the Police Federation of England and Wales and sponsored by The Sun newspaper.

Editor Rebekah Wade said: "It is an honour for us to have the opportunity to recognise the bravery of John Farley.

"He showed immense courage and there is no doubt his actions saved the lives of these two officers.

"He is a very worthy winner of this special award."

Mr Farley's courage had also been honoured earlier this month, when he was presented with a gold medal at the Association of Chief Police Officers Public Bravery Awards.

Also at the Police Bravery Awards last Thursday, Stevenage-based Pc Arron Worbey received the regional award for his actions during an incident outside Boscombe Court in Pixmore Avenue, Letchworth GC in August 2007.

He was off duty when he came across a disturbance in the street. A group of men were arguing and one man was shot. While Pc Worbey administered first aid and called the police control room, the loaded gun was picked up by another man who threatened members of the public. Pc Worbey rushed at the man and safely took control of the gun without anyone else being injured.

Herts Deputy Chief Constable Simon Parr said: "Arron was praised at the ceremony for the incredible courage he displayed throughout the incident and for his dedication to protecting members of the public. The actions he took that day were highly commendable and it is right that he has been recognised with this award.