A Hampshire policeman risked his life to save a man drowning in the sea. Now PC Neal Skinner is to receive a top bravery award.

It comes after PC Skinner, part of the dog-handling unit from Southampton, spent 40 minutes trying to calm the man stood on the wrong side of the safety railings on a bridge.

Despite trying to persuade him to come back, the man jumped from the bridge into the fast-flowing water 15ft below.

PC Skinner then jumped in after the man and grabbed him as another colleague threw a lifebelt to PC Skinner, who then managed to get both himself and the man back to the safety of dry land.

PC Skinner, 52, is now set to receive a Royal Humane Society (RHS) Testimonial following the drama at Langstone Bridge, in Hayling Island.

The RHS awards follow a recommendation from the police and gives a variety of awards depending on the bravery involved after being set up in 1774.

PC Skinner said: “I am greatly honoured. You never think about it at the time. 

“We do not do it for the reward. It is nice to think it has been noted by people. It is very much appreciated.”

Society Secretary Dick Wilkinson praised the bravery of PC Skinner who is stationed with the dog section at the headquarters in Hamble Lane.

He said: “He risked his own life going into the water which had a fast-flowing current. This incident could have ended in a double drowning but thankfully though the other officer had anticipated what might happen and was ready with the life-belt.”

Both PC Skinner and the man he saved, from Waterlooville, had to be treated for hypothermia and shock after the incident that occurred in December 2015.

Mr Wilkinson added: “Without doubt PC Skinner saved the life of the man who jumped. 

“What he did was very brave action on his part. 

“People are often all too ready to criticise the police and don’t realise what they have to do and how they put themselves in danger to help the public.

“This is an extremely well deserved award.”

No date has been fixed for the presentation.