EIGHT police officers are due to be honoured at an awards ceremony tonight.

The acts of bravery set to be recognised include saving the life of a man from a canal, gaining intelligence to stop an armed robbery and arrests being made by sharp-eyed off-duty officers.

The commendations are due to be presented by Joyce Thomas, vice-chairwoman of West Mercia Police Authority.

The awards will be made to PC David Williams and PC John Irving who quickly responded to a call that a man was in difficulties in the canal at Clensmore, Kidderminster.

"They had to enter the water to rescue the man who was unconscious and then performed resuscitation on him, which undoubtedly saved his life," said media officer Caroline Schubert.

Two other officers who foiled an armed robbery on a post office will also be honoured.

Det Con Steven Philips and Det Sgt Mark Bissett meticulously resear-ched information that three men were planning the robbery.

As a result of their work, West Midlands Firearms Team arrested the three would-be raiders. A sawn-off shotgun, adjusted 9mm pistol and blank firing revolver were in their possession at the time.

Dog handler PC Chris Bourne is also praised for the work he did with his dog, Jet, when he was sent to control a hostile crowd.

"During the course of making one arrest an officer was assaulted and the crowd became very volatile but, owing to the actions of PC Bourne, police gained control," said Ms Schubert.

PC Phillipa Charlesworth is set to be commended for her courage and tenacity for arresting a suspected burglar and staying with him, unassisted, for 10 minutes.

Det Con Alex Farmer is due to be honoured for carrying out an arrest while off-duty and PC Rick King for spotting an armed robber - even though the offender had shaved off his hair.

The event was also due to confirm five newly-trained special constables and the presentation of a Certificate of Achievement to the North Worcestershire Administrator for Neighbourhood Watch, Sue Savidge.