POLICE officers from the region will receive recognition for heroic acts at this year's Police Bravery Awards.

They are among 59 officers from England and Wales nominated by their Police Federation branches for their bravery.

They will meet Prime Minister Tony Blair at a reception at 10 Downing Street before a gala dinner at The Dorchester, London, on Thursday, July 14.

PC David Morgan, 33, saved a 19-year-old from drowning after he fell 30ft from Framwellgate Bridge, in Durham, into the River Wear, after a night out.

The Durham officer, a former international water polo player, dived into the river and swam 30 yards to reach him.

By the time he got there, the youth had disappeared under the water several times and had swallowed a considerable amount of water.

He was commended by the chief constable following the rescue in May last year for his swift actions, quick wit and initiative.

Sergeant Darren Purvis, of Northumbria Police, rescued two girls from the North Sea at Seaton Sluice, Northumberland, in February last year.

He dragged 12-year-olds Beth Gardner and Jade Anderson to land when they were swept off rocks by a wave.

Sgt Purvis, who was a PC at the time, received the Queen's Commendation for Bravery for the incident.

Beth survived her ordeal, but despite the officer's efforts, Jade died in hospital.

PCs Lee Busby and Paul Williams, of Cleveland Police, are also among those nominated after they disarmed a 35-year-old man in Hartlepool.

The man was armed with two kitchen knives and had stabbed himself about the body and throat.

The man survived and later wrote a letter to the young constables thanking them for saving his life.

Acknowledging the actions of PCs Williams and Busby, Brian Docherty, secretary of the Cleveland Police Federation, said: "Both officers displayed courage and imagination in their actions to save this confused male.

"Individuals who arm themselves with weapons can be the most difficult situation officers have to face.

"In this instance, while the male involved had started with intentions to only harm himself, it could so easily have ended with either officer sustaining serious injury.

"Their nomination in this year's Bravery Awards is further testament of their actions and highlights the potential risks officers face on a daily basis."

PC Neil Slater, a firearms support unit officer with North Yorkshire Police, based in Tadcaster, has also been nominated. He disarmed a man who attacked his partner with a carving knife.

The awards are sponsored by The Sun newspaper. Eight regional winners and an overall winner will be picked.