A HERO policeman dived into a fast moving river in the pitch black to save a drowning teenager.

PC Martyn Butler, who is not a strong swimmer, and has only been an officer for three years, was today praised for the daring rescue.

The 16-year-old boy jumped off the Croft Bridge, Hurworth Place, near Darlington at around 11pm last night.

Police rushed to the scene and scoured the darkness for a sight of the boy.

PC Butler spotted the youth struggling to swim in the middle of the river and dived in to rescue him, before dragging him back to the bank.

Afterwards, soaking wet and cold, the policeman said: "I felt it was something I had to do."

Today PC Butler, who is 36 and married, was praised by his bosses at Durham Constabulary.

Inspector Tony Avery, said: "PC Butler has shown extreme bravery. His actions are in the best traditions of Durham Constabulary."

Police said the River Tees at Croft Bridge was known for its deep, fast and unpredictable current.

Inspector Peter Foster said: "It is not the place to go swimming, especially in the hours of darkness."

The identity of the boy has not been released.