It was a freezing February day with the sea so cold many people would have become unconscious after only a few minutes in it.

But three police officers and a pier worker did not hesitate when they saw a mother and her daughter in difficulties 100 yards off the shore in Bognor.

They waded in and saved the pair trapped under the pier and deservedly have been commended for their bravery.

The officers were among 28 who received awards from the Mayor of Chichester for acts of great courage and determination.

It's not an easy life being in the police these days. There's increasing violence and officers tread a fine line between nipping trouble in the bud and being too heavy-handed.

PC Gary Relf, who got to the struggling couple in the sea, typifies the spirit of officers we all have to rely on if we suddenly get into desperate difficulty