TWO police officers who battled in vain to save the life of a heart attack victim were due to have their actions recognised last night by a national body.

PC Ross Brewster and PC Darren Cresswell tried to revive the 46-year-old local man after he collapsed in Jubilee Park, Spennymoor, on April 6, where he was walking with his four-year-old daughter.

They spent more than 15 minutes trying to resuscitate the man, who had suffered facial injuries as he fell and was bleeding from the mouth and nose.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene by a local doctor.

His four-year-old daughter was found wandering on her own in the park. She was taken to the police station to avoid witnessing the distressing scene.

PC Cresswell, 26, is still a probation officer, having joined the force in August 1998. PC Brewster, 28, has three years service. They will both be presented with certificates from St John Ambulance.

Sedgefield police commander Supt Derek Hall said: "PC Brewster and PC Cresswell acted in a caring, professional manner and did everything they could in an attempt to save the victim's life. They fully deserve this recognition."

The presentation took place at Newton Aycliffe police station