POLICE officers from Redditch were honoured yesterday by Home Secretary David Blunkett and Cherie Blair for bravery in the face of a gunman.

Pc Shaun Lewis and Pc Matt Dyson were at the national Police Bravery Awards and were invited to a reception at 10 Downing Street with the Prime Minister.

The officers received the Chief Constable Certificates of Commendation earlier this year for their action during the arrest of James Matthews in Barnt Green in April 2001.

Both confronted Matthews after he had fired shots in the village and threatened a member of the public.

They restrained him with CS gas and disarmed and arrested him.

Matthews was later given a four and a half year sentence.