A heroic detective is to be honoured for his bravery after saving the life of a motorist who tried to drive over a cliff.

Detective Chief Inspector Adam Hibbert, 37, opened the car door and grabbed the ignition keys as the vehicle neared the 150ft drop at Telscombe Cliffs, east of Brighton.

He held on to the driver until other officers and firefighters came to his aid.

Police officers had been negotiating with the man for almost two hours when Mr Hibbert arrived.

The man had twice tried to drive through a fence and was about to try again when police made a dash to stop him.

Temporary Sergeant James Bowen tried to smash the windscreen with his baton before Mr Hibbert made his move.

Mr Hibbert realised the van was unlocked and as the man attempted to drive over the edge he grabbed the door handle and forced his way into the van despite the man's attempts to stop him.

He threw himself at the driver to break his grip on the wheel and pulled the keys from the ignition.

Mr Hibbert struggled with the man before he was able to take the van out of gear and put the handbrake on.

He restrained the man until assistance arrived.

Mr Hibbert, who has 15 years of service, said: "I was shaking a bit when I thought about what could have happened.

"The consequences don't bear thinking about.

"Looking back, it was very frightening.

"Not only did we want to save the life of this man, who was clearly distressed, but we had to think about the risks to ourselves.

"If the fence had given way at any point, he would undoubtedly have killed himself.

"James and I literally had milliseconds to think about what to do.

"James tried to smash the windscreen with his baton but it just wouldn't break.

"Then I noticed the locks were up so I just went for it and pulled the door open.

"I know it sounds a cliche but you don't think about the danger. You just get on and do the job."

The man, in his mid 30s, was detained under the Mental Health Act and taken to Brighton police station for his own safety following his rescue last November.

Mr Hibbert will be visiting 10 Downing Street next Thursday before attending the 10th annual Police Federation Awards at London's Dorchester Hotel.

Home Secretary Charles Clarke will honour officers, from 43 forces in England and Wales, for going above and beyond the call of duty.

Brian Stockham, chairman of the Police Federation's Sussex branch, said: "Apart from the courage required in this incident, Adam's actions were an example of inspired and inspiring leadership.

"Usually - and on an almost daily basis - our officers are expected to perform such acts and most often it is our constables and sergeants who are recognised for doing so.

"As well as personal courage, officers rely on years of training and experience to do these things in the finest traditions of the police service and to do them right as Adam did."

Mr Hibbert has had a mixed week - his house was burgled while he and his wife were out.

He said: "They turned the place upside down and stole electrical equipment, a stereo and clothes.

"I went to have a shave yesterday and found they'd even taken my razor."