A woman whose husband ran into a burning building to rescue a baby is calling for his bravery to be recognised.

Rosemarrie Fearn's husband Graham was one of two civilians who braved flames in a bid to rescue ten-month-old Antonia Carey from a fire at her home in Milfoil Road, Eastbourne, more than two years ago.

Policeman Bob Greenall eventually rescued the child, who had stopped breathing, and brought her back to life.

PC Greenall was commended for his efforts and declared a national hero at this year's Police Bravery Awards.

Mrs Fearn, who is a residential home manager, said: "I do not want to take away from the brave actions of PC Greenall. I just think my husband deserves some recognition as well.

"He was walking past the rear of the house when he noticed thick, black smoke and heard the terrified screams of a child. With no thought for his own safety he broke open a locked gate to the rear of the premises then broke into the heavy patio door, injuring his hand.

"He rushed up the stairs to meet PC Greenall three-quarters of the way up, who shouted at him to leave.

"PC Greenall made a quick exit through the front door of the house carrying the child. My husband continued his search, checking bedding on the ground floor for any other people."

Mr Fearn, of Hadlow Avenue, Eastbourne, had a week off work after the fire and needed treatment for the effects of smoke.

Another man, whose identity is unknown, also tried to save the child, climbing a ladder to smash a window and spray water into the burning house using a garden hose.

Mrs Fearn, 57, said: "Graham received a letter from the local police thanking him for his brave action and suggesting he would be recommended for an award.

"He heard no more until reading about PC Greenall's actions when he got the bravery award.

"My husband is medically retired with post-traumatic stress syndrome. He has done brave things all his life and I think he should finally receive some recognition for this one."

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "There were many members of the public who were in the area at the time of the fire in April 1999 who tried to help, by attempting to either get into the house or put the flames out.

"These people are all to be praised for their actions. The police service relies heavily on brave members of the public like this who work together with our officers on a daily basis. Bob's bravery awards are in no way intended to undermine the work of everyone else who helped on that day.

"However, Bob repeatedly put his life at risk by actually going into the burning house.

"Despite being beaten back by smoke and flames on several occasions he persisted until he got into baby Antonia's bedroom and rescued her from her cot.

"If it hadn't been for Bob's actions it is unlikely Antonia would be alive today and Bob is lucky he was not seriously injured or even killed.

"His actions were in the finest traditions of police work, which is why he has been recognised and rewarded in the way that he has."