REDDITCH and Bromsgrove police officers who placed themselves in the line of fire when they confronted a gun-toting man have won the regional Police Bravery Award of the year.

Pc Shaun Lewis and Pc Matthew Dyson scooped the prestigious accolade at a London ceremony last week and were both personally congratulated by Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The brave bobbies saw off other nominations for disarming dangerous gunman James Matthews after he had fired a number of shots in Barnt Green, injuring two passers-by last year.

Both officers were also presented with cheques for £500 by Home Secretary David Blunkett.