TWO police officers who risked their lives to save a suicidal man at Beachy Head are to be honoured.

During the dramatic cliff-top rescue in October last year, PCs Samantha Evans and Alistair Paul wrestled with the man just a few feet from the edge and a 200ft drop.

They will be at Eastbourne Town Hall on Monday afternoon to receive special Royal Humane Awards from mayor Beryl Healy.

The night-time rescue was particularly frightening for WPC Evans, 23, who was a new recruit on probation at the time and also had a fear of heights.

While talking to the man, who darted near to the edge, he suddenly grabbed her in a bear hug.

The weather was very bad and it was pitch dark.

As they stood together near the edge, colleague PC Paul, 37, who has served with Sussex Police for more than five years, grabbed them.

A struggle broke out dangerously near the cliff edge but the man was eventually restrained.

During the incident the police helicopter circled above.

The man was later detained under the Mental health Act.

PC Paul said he was surprised he had been put forward for the award because what he did was part of his normal duties.

He said: "As an officer in Eastbourne we are often called up to Beachy Head to deal with a variety of calls similar to this.

"Having said that, this was in quite exceptional circumstances, in the pitch dark and terrible weather with strong wind and rain."

Speaking to the Argus shortly after the incident, WPC Evans said: "I'm terrified of heights and of the dark, so the whole experience was really frightening.

"I think the man could see I was as scared as he was. That's probably why he wanted a hug."

A Sussex police spokesman said: "Neither officer wore a safety harness as it was not readily available. The selfless actions of these officers saved the man's life."

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