There was a surprise for two young sisters when they went along to watch their mum present an award to a police officer who saved her life.

They were given awards, too.

Dover Harbour Board police officer Ian Thwaites sprang into action when he became aware of an incident in Hawkins Road, Cheriton, when he was off duty.

Marie Hancock had become unconscious at the wheel of her car which had stopped in the road. She had also stopped breathing.

PC Thwaites removed her from the car and immediately began resuscitation. Even when the emergency services arrived, the officer continued to give CPR and assisted the ambulance crew for 30 minutes. It was only then that Mrs Hancock started breathing again, and subsequently made a full recovery.

PC Thwaites was presented with Dover Harbour Board’s meritorious award and a Royal Humane Society award for saving Mrs Hancock's life.

The presentation was made at the board's annual consultative meeting on Monday at Dover, with Mrs Hancock's husband Chris and their two daughters, Ruby, aged seven, and three-year-old Macy Rae looking on proudly.

But then came the surprise. The audience was told that it was Ruby who had originally raised the alarm and Macy Rae had remained calmly in the back of the car while the drama was going. They were presented with specially inscribed medals.