Two police officers who saved a suicidal youth have won national recognition.

North Yorkshire constables Paul Duffield and Paul Long have been nominated as among the bravest in Britain.

Next week, they will be among those honoured at the national Police Bravery Awards at the Dorchester in London.

On a Sunday afternoon last December, they were called to a report of a youth trying to enter the sea at Scarborough, North Yorkshire. They found him sitting on rocks about 25 yards from the sea wall.

PC Long saw the youth was holding a long-bladed carving knife and his T-shirt was soaked in blood.

At the command of the officers, he dropped the knife but a search revealed three more secreted about his body. It was also discovered he was bleeding heavily from self-inflicted wounds to his lower chest.

The youth was also soaking wet, extremely distressed, and in deep shock and PC Long put his uniform coat over his shoulders and tried to stem the flow of blood.

The tide was coming in and the youth's condition deteriorating rapidly, and both officers had to move quickly to avoid being trapped by the tide.

With the help of others, they carried him 100 yards along wet and slippery rocks, at one point resuscitating him after he stopped breathing.

He has since made a full recovery and the PCs' prompt actions in a dangerous situation are credited with saving his life.

Next week, they will attend a reception at No 10 with Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife Cherie, and Home Secretary David Blunkett.