A POLICEMAN and a civilian who saved a man from bleeding to death after an incident at a Northallerton nightclub have been recognised with awards by the Royal Humane Society.

PC Tony Slaney and Gareth Hare gave first aid to Mark Raw, who had a severe neck wound after the incident involving a glass at 2am on November 6 last year at Club Amadeus.

With blood spurting from his neck, he was taken outside by Mr Hare, who called an ambulance and gave basic first aid until the arrival of PC Slaney, the Northallerton beat officer.

Drawing on previous medical training, PC Slaney recognised it as arterial bleeding and placed his bare hand over the open wound to apply pressure and reduce blood loss.

The two laid Mr Raw down, with Mr Hare raising his feet and PC Slaney supporting his head and neck to alleviate the effects of shock, and together they managed to keep him conscious until the ambulance arrived.

A doctor at the Friarage Hospital said later that Mr Raw would have died had it not been for the swift first aid given by Mr Hare and particularly PC Slaney in applying pressure to the wound.

The two men received their Royal Humane Society certificates on Monday from North Yorkshire chief constable Della Cannings at an awards ceremony at police headquarters near Northallerton.

PC Slaney, 43, who spent 24 years in the army before he joined the North Yorkshire force four years ago, said of his award: "I'm pleased to receive it but at the same time slightly embarrassed.

"Gareth's part in the incident was excellent bearing in mind that he had had no training in first aid."

Mr Hare, 22, said: "I was just in the club that night trying to have a quiet drink when the incident happened. I'm a bit embarrassed at getting the award as well but, without being big headed, to be recognised is nice."

Ms Cannings presented a chief constable's commendation to Supt Iain Spittle for his work as head of public access since June 2003 in leading and motivating his team, to ensure major improvements in police service to local communities and front line officers.

His role was central to improving the new call handling system and he drove forward crime recording and command and control initiatives. He also undertook substantial work to upgrade and develop the force radio network.

Long service medals were presented to PC Charles Ungley of Easingwold, Sgt Ronald Allan of Stokesley and Sgt Geoffrey Brown of Easingwold.