A FAMILY thanked the hero police officers who saved their lives at an awards ceremony last night.

Sergeant Simon Trotter, PC Andy Metcalfe, PC Mark Gill and PC Janette Turnbull, from Spennymoor police station, County Durham, were presented with framed certificates of commendation from the Society for the Protection of Life from Fire in recognition of their bravery.

The officers risked their lives to save 34-year-old mother-of-two Tracey Robson and her baby daughter, Sophie, as fire swept through their family home in South Street, Spennymoor, in February.

The officers formed a human chain to pull Sophie clear of the blaze before returning to the house to find Mrs Robson unconscious in a bedroom.

Mrs Robson's husband, Bryan, had escaped carrying six-year-old daughter Kimberley.

The officers were presented with their award by Spennymoor mayor Councillor Ross Hawkes, at the town's police station last night.

Mr Robson said: "We are absolutely delighted that the officers invited us and that they are getting the recognition they really deserve. Without their help we would not have been here. The officers concerned have thanked us for being here, but we would not have missed it for the world."

PC Chris Metcalfe was presented with the certificate by Ferryhill mayor Ken Campbell for risking his life to guide a man from a blaze in Ferryhill.

PC Metcalfe showed scant regard for his own safety when he entered the house to look for Craig Wayman, who was asleep in a bedroom.

His girlfriend, Jennifer Lucas, brother Glen and young family members had already been helped to safety by a neighbour.