A BRAVE policeman will meet Home Secretary Jack Straw at a House of Commons reception today.

The event was organised to honour PC Paul Anderson and 13 other winners of the Queen's Commendation for Bravery.

PC Anderson risked his life chasing two armed robbers through Bolton town centre as one fired shots at him.

The drama began when the two men burst into Noble Amusements, Newport Street, in November 1998.

The 31-year-old officer told the BEN at the time: "I had no cover. I'm alive to tell the tale because he missed me."

It later emerged in court that the shots were blanks but Judge Bruce McMillan, hailing PC Anderson's efforts, said he had no way of knowing that.

Mr Straw said: "The officers have all shown exceptional bravery as they went about their duties.

"We should all be grateful to those who risk their lives to protect others, sometimes regardless of the personal danger."