A Kent policeman who rescued a suicidal woman from dangerous waters was due to be honoured today.

PC Stuart Merrington has been nominated for the Police Bravery Awards in London, staged to recognise the unsung heroes of the service.

The star-studded event at the Dorchester Hotel will follow a reception at 10 Downing Street with the Prime Minister, where PC Merrington will be among the other nominees; the bravest officers in England & Wales.

It comes after the officer had a call from neighbouring officers in Folkestone, who were concerned for the safety of a woman who had fled her family home, threatening to commit suicide.

Her phone was traced to the beach, and she was spotted walking, fully dressed, into the sea. She ignored pleas from officers to return to the shore and continued to swim outwards. The coastguard had been called and the officers were refused permission to enter the choppy waters.

Despite these warnings, PC Merrington took off his jacket and swam out after her. He had to fight as she struggled against him, before other officers joined him and they managed to pull her back to shore.

Without the persistence and professionalism of Constable Merrington, the woman would have drowned, police say.

Ian Pointon, chairman of Kent Police Federation,said:“Stuart’s actions on that day are a reminder of the selfless acts of bravery that officers engage in on a daily basis.

"The bravery awards are not about winners and losers – every nominee is a winner. "That said we do wish Stuart every success at the awards ceremony.”