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 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. On arrival 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 back seat.

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

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

The 26-year-old, who has a PhD in organic chemistry, served as a special constable in Chester-le-Street for several years before joining the regular force in November 1999. At training school, he achieved an average mark of 91 per cent in his exams and his work since then has earned him glowing praise from his bosses.

His divisional commander, Chief Supt Michael Banks, said: "His notable achievements include incidents where he has shown great physical courage, initiative, self-motivation and excellent communication skills."