A KENT policeman has been honoured at the Vodafone Life Savers Awards for saving many lives in the Maldives when the tsunami struck.

Earlier Inspector Kenneth Elmes, stationed at Margate, joined fellow National Life Savers at a special Downing Street reception held by Prime Minister Tony Blair, before going on to a gala luncheon at London’s Savoy, hosted by Vanessa Feltz and Eamonn Holmes.

He received his award before a 300-strong audience including Nell McAndrew, Claire Sweeney, Simon Weston, Mylene Klass, Fern Britton and Phillip Schofield.

He was then surprised on stage with a special message from the team at the Velavaru Island Resort (in the Maldives), who paid tribute to his bravery and the invaluable role he played in the aftermath.

Police Inspector Ken Elmes and his wife Jane were holidaying in the Maldives when the Boxing Day Tsunami struck with devastating force.

Insp Elmes, 36, was snorkelling when he looked up to see Jane’s terrified face as she ran up the beach to escape the killer wave.

He raced to join her but they were both caught in the swirling torrent. For a moment, it looked as though Jane would be swept to her death as she disappeared from sight, but Ken managed to reach under the water and pulled her to him, grabbing a tree where they clung desperately together.

As the first wave surged past, the couple faced another terrifying ordeal – a mass of debris battered their aching bodies, threatening to dislodge them from the tree.

When the water had subsided, dazed guests and hotel staff gathered in a state of shock.

Realising there was a good chance of another wave; the Kent policeman quickly collected life jackets and gave them to the women and children – minutes before the island was submerged by a second surge.

Meanwhile, survivors were running towards a two storey building – but as Insp Elmes followed, he saw staff struggling to help an elderly man who had difficulty walking.

Without a thought for his own safety, and with the second wall of water racing across the island, Ken swept up the disabled holidaymaker in his arms and carried him to safety.

As the water receded, Insp Elmes learned the man had lost his wife and immediately set off to search for her – later returning to break the sad news he had found her body.

In the aftermath, Insp Elmes continued to lead and inspire the small group of 144 who had survived the terrifying ordeal.

He became the principal coordinator, working with the island manager and keeping up morale until a rescue boat arrived 36 hours later.

His fellow guests have spoken of his incredible leadership, his ability to instil calm and confidence, his sensitivity to those who suffered bereavement, his professionalism and his unfailing sense of humour.

Although sadly two lives were lost on the paradise island of Velavaru that day those that survived say there would have been many more deaths but for the heroic efforts of Insp Elmes.

Speaking at No.10, Prime Minister Tony Blair said: “Bravery in the face of adversity requires a huge strength of will and we should all be eternally grateful for those who selflessly put others before themselves.

“Their fortitude is something that must never be undervalued and they are a true asset to this proud nation.”

The Life Savers awards – a national search for Britain’s most inspiring rescue stories – were launched in April by Vodafone UK to uncover unsung heroes who have saved a life in extraordinary circumstances.

Inspector Elmes’ story was selected by the awards’ judging panel including Martin Kemp, Michael Buerk, Jane Asher and Joe Pasquale.

Tim Miles, chief executive officer at Vodafone UK, said: “We are extremely proud to be associated with these unique awards and to honour Inspector Kenneth Elmes as a National Life Saver – he has shown extraordinary compassion and courage and his story enriches us all."