AN heroic East Lancashire police officer has been awarded for his long service.

Sgt Stuart Banks, 42, was honoured at a ceremony to mark his 20 years in the force.

Just seven months ago, the neighbourhood policing sergeant for Hyndburn was given a bravery medal for his role in saving a man trapped in a Rishton home with two illegal American pit bull terriers.

He was also honoured for his efforts to save a motorist’s life in Burnley several years ago. Despite being off-duty, Sgt Banks lept into action when he saw a woman fall off her motorbike and administered CPR, although she later died.

As well as the illegal pit bull dogs, Sgt Banks said coming up against a knifeman in Darwen was the scariest moment of his career so far.

He also recalled the funniest, and said: “Being bitten by a police dog. A burglar was sat behind a wall I was stood next too. The burglar jumped up to surrender and the dog bit me instead of him. I didn’t find it funny at the time!”

Sgt Banks said of his decision to join the police in 1992: “It was mainly because I wanted to do something to enable me to help people.”

Being awarded a medal for long service hasn’t made Sgt Banks consider hanging up his gloves though.

He said: “It makes me feel proud that I’ve been in this job for that amount of time, and been able to serve the public for that amount of time.

“Hopefully I will be able to continue to do so.”

Deputy Chief Constable Chris Weigh said: “It is always a pleasure to see members of the constabulary presented with long service and good conduct medals or long service certificates.

“These awards represent 20 years of continuous service to the people of Lancashire and as such represent a positive statement of public appreciation to mark this important milestone in a noteworthy career.”