FOUR police officers have been honoured for trying to save an elderly man's life.

Sergeant David Kirton and PCs Mark Jagodzinski, Stuart Dawson, and Kevin Wilson received formal letters of appreciation from St John Ambulance for their actions in June.

The Darlington officers were in a police van which was flagged down by a member of the public.

He directed them to an 81-year-old man, who had collapsed in Tubwell Row.

Sgt Kirton and PC Jagodzinski began to resuscitate Albert Howe, from the Acklam area of Middlesbrough.

PC Dawson, who was only six months into his career, then took over.

When PC Wilson learned that Mr Howe's son was present, he took him to one side and provided reassurance.

Paramedics arrived and found that the officers had revived the victim sufficiently for a weak pulse to register.

However, his condition subsequently deteriorated and he died in hospital that evening.

Sgt Kirton, 37, has 13 years' police service while PC Jagodzinski, 28, and PC Wilson, 27, have been with Durham Constabulary for five years. PC Dawson, 33, joined in January.

Chief Inspector Barry Knevitt, of Darlington police, said: "The officers demonstrated a professional and prompt response and did everything they could.

"Sadly, their initial successful attempts to revive the victim could not in the end prevent his death."

Mr Howe's widow, Nora, son Paul, and daughter Dorothy, were at the ceremony to thank the officers.