A PRESTON police officer is to receive an award for risking his life diving into the docks to try and rescue a man.

PC Jason Hill, a dog handler for Preston police, threw himself into the freezing waters of the Riversway Docks while he was off duty last October.

PC Hill, 31, and a member of the public, Mark Evans, 40, dived into the water and dragged the man out before attempting to resuscitate him, but he later died.

Both men will receive the Liverpool Humane and Shipwreck Society Award in two weeks from Preston police chief superintendent Russ Weaver and Mayor, Councillor Neil Cartwright and his wife Bobby.