A KIDDERMINSTER policeman who braved fast-flowing, icy water to save a man who had jumped off a bridge has been commended for his courage.

PC Scott Ward carried out the rescue in January after he saw a man jump off Bewdley Bridge. He waded into the freezing waters of the River Severn, swam to the man and brought him out using a buoyancy ring attached to a rope on the riverside.

Attempts were made by paramedics to revive the man but he died at the scene.

PC Scott, who was due to be presented with a bravery award by the Chief Constable yesterday, said: "I could not have done this without support."

He was also due to receive a certificate of commendation from Lifesavers, the Royal Lifesaving Society.