TWO police officers who pulled a woman from a burning car, and a rookie PC who excelled in his first year in the force, have won top awards from Durham Constabulary.

PC Dave Sampson, 32, and PC Peter Tate, 27, have been awarded the Matt Wilkinson Trophy, presented each year for outstanding police work.

Last April they were sent to Heaviside Place in Gilesgate, Durham City, after reports of a house fire.

When they arrived they found it was not the house on fire but a car parked on the drive.

PC Sampson and PC Tate opened the back doors and saw a woman slumped on the seat.

They dragged her out, put her into the recovery position and made her as comfortable as possible until an ambulance arrived.

The 37-year-old woman, who had started the blaze after a domestic argument, suffered first and second degree burns but made a good recovery.

PC Bill Dutton, 26, who works in Darlington, earned the title Probationer of the Year for his excellent work during the last 12 months.