FOUR police officers are to be honoured for their repeated efforts to save the life of an elderly man who collapsed in the street.

Sergeant Dave Kirton, and PCs Mark Jagodinski, Stuart Dawson and Kevin Wilson, of Darlington police, are to receive framed letters of appreciation from the St John Ambulance in recognition of their actions.

The officers were in a police van in Darlington town centre when they were flagged down by a passer-by on Friday, June 21. They were directed to an 81-year-old man, who had collapsed in Tubwell Row.

Sgt Kirton, 37, started chest compressions while PC Jagodinski, 28, and PC Dawson, 33, started to give the kiss of life.

While the other officers were helping the Middlesbrough pensioner, PC Wilson, 27, took the man's son to one side to comfort him.

When paramedics arrived they were able to detect a weak pulse but, sadly, the man died in hospital later that evening.

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