A TEENAGE hero who saved a depressed woman from drowning has spoken of the dramatic moment he plunged into the water.

Christopher Park from Radcliffe has been honoured by police for his bravery and courage in rescuing the 29-year-old woman from the River Irwell.

He was awarded the Chief Constable's Citation of Merit at a ceremony at Bolton Town Hall yesterday.

The 20-year-old joiner, who was aged 19 at the time of the rescue, was working on a pub in the Langley area of Middleton on October 16 last year when he saw a woman struggling in the river. Without any thought for his own safety, Christopher waded in and pulled the confused woman to the bank. She was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital where she was treated for shock and continues to receive treatment for depression.

Former St James's Secondary School pupil Christopher, who is from Stoneclough, said: "My mate spotted the woman and shouted. I just threw my phone and keys at him and then waded straight in.

"I know that stretch of water really well because I've always fished there, so I knew which bit was deep and which bit was safe to stand up in.

"I never thought about the danger. Anyone would have done the same thing."

PC David Eaves was also recognised for his outstanding dedication and professionalism on the Bolton Division during a long-term investigation into drug trafficking.

He was presented with the Chief Constable's Citation of Merit for the many weeks he spent painstakingly examining more than 300 exhibits of drugs, documents and cash.

Long Service and Good Conduct medals were also awarded to seven police officers working in Bolton -- Chief Inspector Philip Lay and Constables Glyn Armstrong, Lawrence Bridges, David Rose, Brett Ross, Paul Scholes and Martin Staniland.