A courageous woman who thwarted a violent rape single-handedly has received a bravery award.

When quick-thinking Charlotte Dampier heard a woman’s screams during the incident near her home she had a choice.

The 27-year-old could have ignored it, or just telephoned the police from the safety of her home.

But after dialing 999 the no-nonsense nanny then put herself in danger by tackling the would-be rapist by herself.

She pulled the attacker away from his terrified victim, and as he ran off comforted the distraught victim until police arrived.

Now Ms Dampier’s courage – described as “nothing short of inspirational” – has been rewarded with a High Sheriff of Kent Award for Bravery at a special ceremony.

Judge Simon James – who presided over the trial of the attacker – said the screams had come from a woman being attacked by a man who had stalked her.

“This man had followed his victim and told her he wanted to have sex with her and began physically attacking her so that she would submit,” he said.

"At considerable risk to herself she physically pulled the man away from his victim...her bravery is nothing short of inspirational" - Judge Simon James

He told the ceremony at Canterbury Crown Court that Ms Dampier “had the presence of mind to get up to try and help by calling the police”.

He added: “But at considerable risk to herself she went outside and physically pulled the man away from his victim. And after a short struggle he ran away from the scene.”

Ms Dampier and another neighbour were then able to give a description of the attacker, which helped police track him down.

The judge said: “Not only that, but then she offered comfort and support to the victim until the arrival of the emergency services.

“Her bravery, her quick-thinking and her willingness to put herself in danger for a stranger is nothing short of inspirational.

“Not only did she save a woman from being raped but she also assisted in bringing a dangerous criminal to justice.”