TWO police officers who saved a suicidal woman from being hit by a high-speed train have been honoured by the Royal Humane Society.

Sgt Paul Reed and PC Michael Pattinson risked their own lives when they jumped on to the track, near Alnmouth Station, in Northumberland, last October to rescue the woman.

A southbound GNER inter-city service heading for London passed ten feet from them in the darkness as they tried to stop her reaching the East Coast Main Line.

They kept their balance on uneven trackside gravel and managed to pin the drunken 37-year-old woman, from Scotland, against a fence and hold her down as the train passed.

On the recommendation of the Chief Constable of Northumbria Police, Crispian Strachan, they will be honoured for their bravery with a Royal Humane Society Testimonial Award.

Society secretary Major General Christopher Tyler said: "These two men placed themselves inches from death, in a bold and selfless rescue. The courage they summoned up was remarkable. They are a credit to the force and thoroughly deserve their awards. This was an horrific incident."

The drama began on October 10, when the woman called 999 from Alnmouth Station.

As Sgt Reed and PC Pattinson approached her, she jumped on to the track and began walking along the line saying she wanted to die.

PC Pattinson said: "She just walked further into the darkness. We thought the train was a few miles away and there was time but we both decided we had to get her off the line. We did not realise the train was so close. We had just dragged her off the line when the train appeared."

Another officer a few miles north had warned that a southbound express train, which was not stopping at Alnmouth, was headed for them.

He also sent a warning message to Network Rail's Newcastle control centre saying there were policemen on the track ahead but it was too late for anything to be done.

The Royal Human Society was originally formed by a group of London doctors in 1774 to honour lifesavers.

A presentation ceremony will take place in London at a date to be set.