A policeman who risked his life to save four youngsters from a blazing car has been nominated the bravest officer in England and Wales.

PC Neil Hersey and a colleague were following a group of youngsters in a car in Crawley when he signalled for them to stop.

Instead, they sped off and, moments later, the Ford Escort left the road, crashed into a ditch and caught fire, with the occupants trapped.

While his colleague radioed for assistance, PC Hersey, 32, ran to the car, from which he could hear screaming.

Ignoring the flames and searing heat, he pulled the driver out and dragged him to safety.

Despite the danger of the petrol tank exploding, he returned and found two teenage girls trapped in the back.

He ripped out the front seat and rescued one of them, who was semi-conscious.

PC Hersey then climbed through the flames into the back of the car and managed to free the other girl.

His colleague and a member of the public were able to move a male passenger, who was seriously injured in the front seat.

Praising him for his bravery, Inspector Graham Alexander, chairman of the Sussex Police Federation Joint Branch Board, said: "Neil displayed considerable courage and presence of mind.

"It is another example of the risks police officers take on a daily basis."

PC Hersey, who is based at Crawley station, is one of 63 officers from across England and Wales to be nominated at the annual Police Bravery Awards, organised by the Police Federation and sponsored by The Sun newspaper.

An awards ceremony is being held tonight at The Dorchester hotel in London, with the awards being presented by Home Secretary David Blunkett.

It will follow a reception at 10 Downing Street with the Prime Minister.

The awards were established in 1995 to recognise acts of courage by officers who put themselves at risk of death or serious injury to uphold the law or protect the public.

All 43 forces are invited to propose candidates, who are nominated by fellow officers from their local police federation.

Already Sussex's bravest officer, PC Hersey could be voted one of eight regional winners or win the overall title.

He has already been awarded a Chief Constable's Commendation.