THEY are already set to receive one of the country’s most prestigious honours for their bravery.

Southampton’s council leader Councillor Royston Smith and chief executive Alistair Neill are set for a date with the Queen as they receive the George Medal for tackling a gunman on board a nuclear submarine last year.

But now the pair are in line for another national award as their heroics are recognised by police chiefs across the country.

Cllr Smith and Mr Neill will receive a National Police Public Bravery Award at a glitzy ceremony in Manchester on May 24.

The aim of the awards, which take place each year, is to recognise “exceptional acts in exceptional circumstances”.

It honours those who help foil criminal acts and step in to assist others.

As reported by the Daily Echo, Cllr Smith and Mr Neill were both on board HMS Astute on April 8 last year when Able Seaman Ryan Donovan went on a shooting spree with his semi-automatic rifle.

He killed Lieutenant Commander Ian Molyneux, 36, a father-of-four, who was gunned down by Donovan as he tried to disarm the sentry.

Mr Molyneux will also receive the George Medal – the second highest civilian award for gallantry, below the George Cross – posthumously.

Speaking about the police bravery award, Hampshire’s Chief Constable Alex Marshall said: “I think it is excellent that their amazing bravery in this very dangerous situation is being recognised.

“The George Medal is of course the ultimate award, but within policing we have our own awards and it is right they should both be recognised in this way as well.”

Cllr Smith said he was "honoured"

but added: “While it is nice to be recognised I do think of those who are brave every day in what they do, such as those taking on the Taliban.

They are real heroes.”

Mr Neill said: “The events on the HMS Astute in April last year had tragic consequences and I was fortunate to be in a position to prevent them being worse, just as I am sure most people would have done.”

Donovan, 23, was jailed at Winchester Crown Court for a minimum of 25 years after admitting murdering Lt Cdr Molyneux and the attempted murder of Lt Cdr Christopher Hodge and Petty Officers David McCoy and Christopher Brown.