A TEENAGE hero who saved a suicidal woman from drowning in the River Irwell is to be honoured by the police.

Christopher Park from Radcliffe was 19 when he risked his life to rescue a 29-year-old woman in Manchester.

He is to be awarded the Chief Constable's Citation of Merit for his courage and bravery.

Mr Park, a joiner, was working on a house in the Langley area of Middleton on October 16 last year when he saw a woman in the river who appeared to be in difficulty.

Without thought for his safety, and not knowing the depth or current of the water, he jumped in.

The teenager waded up to his waist into the flowing river for about 50ft from the bank and pulled the confused woman to safety. She was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital where she was treated for shock and continues to receive treatment for depression.

Mr Park has already been awarded the Royal Humane Society's prestigious Testimonial on Parchment for his bravery. He will be presented with the Citation of Merit by Chief Constable David Wilmot at an award ceremony at Bolton Town Hall on Wednesday.

PC David Eaves is also being recognised for his outstanding dedication and professionalism on the Bolton Division during a long-term investigation into drug trafficking. He will receive the Chief Constable's Citation of Merit for the many weeks he spent painstakingly examining more than 300 exhibits of drugs, documents and cash.

The officer liaised with forensics and scientific services at Greater Manchester Police to prove the three offenders were involved in the conspiracy to supply controlled drugs.

On May 7 last year, they pleaded guilty to various offences at Manchester Crown Court and were sentenced to 17 years, four-and-a-half years and 12 months in prison.

Long Service and Good Conduct Medals will also be presented to seven officers from Bolton at the ceremony.