TWO police officers who saved the life of a 76-year-old man after he attempted to hang himself are to receive top life-saving honours.

PCs James Lindsay, 27, and James Taylor, 30, have been awarded Royal Humane Society resuscitation certificates for their action at the incident in Blackshaw Road, Old Glossop, in the early hours of 10 June last year.

The pair worked tirelessly for about eight minutes to try to revive the man, despite him showing no vital signs.

Their efforts worked, he was taken to hospital for treatment and discharged a week later.

Dick Wilkinson, secretary of the Royal Humane Society, personally praised the duo for their actions.

He said: "PC Lindsay and another officer performed chest compressions and an unnamed officer gave the man the kiss-of-life. PC Taylor took over from PC Lindsay and between them they continued to take it in turns until the man started to breathe again after about eight minutes.  But for the swift action of these officers the man would almost certainly have died. Thankfully they got to him in time and managed to save him. They richly deserve the awards they are to receive."

No date has yet been fixed for presentation of the awards, which have been made on the recommendation of Derbyshire Police but it is expected to take place in the near future.