A rookie police officer who risked his life to rescue a drowning man had been hoping to keep a low profile in his new career.

PC Richard Smith was into only his fourth day as a Sunderland bobby when he dived into the River Wear to save a man who had plummeted 100ft from a bridge.

Braving strong currents and icy water, PC Smith swam nearly half-a-mile along the fast-flowing river to rescue the 34-year-old.

The inexperienced officer is now in line for a commendation from his Chief Constable following Monday's rescue.

The 22-year-old recruit made his mark at the Sunderland City police force following reports that a man was standing on a ledge on the Wearmouth Bridge.

Before police could arrive to talk him down, the man fell into the river, the freezing water knocking him out.

PC Smith said: "The current was rapidly taking him downstream, so I had to get in. In training we'd had life-saving lessons and I'm not a bad swimmer so I was confident I'd reach him."

By the time the Scarborough-born officer reached the man, he had been swept several hundred feet downstream.

Holding on to a lifebelt, he dragged the man back to the shore, where he was given first aid. Both men were taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital.

PC Smith was declared fit, but the rescued man was kept in overnight.

PC Smith said: "When I started at Sunderland I was hoping to keep a low profile - now I've got all this publicity.

"I have just finished my basic training and I'm still being trained on the job. I just hope they don't expect miracles off me now."