A TRAFFIC officer who risked his life to save other motorists from a fugitive who was speeding the wrong way down a dual carriageway has been honoured for his courage.

Traffic Constable Michael Hancock was on a routine patrol on the northern carriageway of the A1 Great North Road when the drama took place, in June two years ago.

Earlier, a suspected intruder was disturbed at a house in Catterick, North Yorkshire, and when he made off in a Vauxhall Astra van, police patrols were circulated with details.

TC Hancock realised the suspect car was directly in front of him and it pulled over on to the hard shoulder.

But, as his partner got out of the car to speak to the driver, the Astra did a sudden U-turn and sped off into oncoming traffic.

Seeing the obvious and immediate danger TC Hancock did the same and followed the fugitive, sticking to the hard shoulder and using his flashing lamps and headlights to warn other motorists.

Despite the officers actions, two collisions occurred in which three motorists were injured and the Astra driver was killed.

Yesterday, TC Hancock was presented with a Chief Constable's Commendation for his actions, which, the audience was told, "undoubtedly saved lives and prevented further injury".

The ceremony, at Newby Wiske, near Northallerton, was the last to be presided over by Chief Constable David Kenworthy, before his retirement.

He also presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Margaret Brooks, from Ottawa Road, Middlesbrough.

She and another woman - who will be honoured later - were in a coach with a party of sick children when they saw the driver slump over unconscious.

Acting quickly, they managed to keep the still-accelerating coach on the road until another passenger, an off-duty policeman, was able to drag the driver free and take over the controls.

Commendations also went to: TC Andrew Langford, TC Dave Clayton, Traffic Sergeant Brian Trickett, Detective Constable Mark Willock, PC Mark Waddington, PC John Trueman, PC Russ Harper, PC Nicky Durkin, TC Andy Richardson and Det Con Paul Johnson. Franklin Waring, from Hawkser, Whitby, was given a Certificate of Appreciation for his work as a neighbourhood watch co-ordinator.