A Darlington police officer has been praised by St John Ambulance officials for the part he played in saving a man's life.

In June, PC Adrian Dove helped to revive a 27-year-old man who had parked his car in Lewes Road, Darlington, swallowed a number of painkillers and connected a tube from the exhaust into the vehicle. A passing motorist saw the car filled with thick smoke and stopped to pull the occupant out.

He administered first aid until emergency services arrived.

When PC Dove arrived on the scene he took over the efforts to revive the man and found a pulse.

The man started to regain consciousness, and PC Dove, who has been in the force for 13 years, placed him in the recovery position before an ambulance took him to hospital.

St John Ambulance chiefs sent a letter of appreciation to PC Dove, as well as the passer-by