A policeman who rescued a baby from a burning house is to be awarded the Queen's Commendation for Bravery.

PC Bob Greenall, from Little Common, Bexhill, was patrolling the streets of Eastbourne in April, 1998, when he was called to a fire in a two-storey house in the town's Langney area.

On arrival, he heard baby Antonia Carey screaming in terror and dashed through the burning council house in Milfoil Drive to rescue her.

Thick smoke and intense heat from a burning mattress beat the 6ft 3in policeman out of the room where the ten-month-old infant was trapped, but he persevered, crawling on his hands and knees to carry her to safety.

Antonia was taken to hospital suffering the effects of smoke inhalation, but made a full recovery.

It was discovered later that the fire had been started by her three-year-old brother, Daniel, who built a bonfire of teddy bears and set it alight with matches.

Announcing the awards yesterday, Home Secretary Jack Straw praised PC Greenall's "exceptional courage", describing him as "a credit to the police force".

He said: "The bravery and dedication of our police officers plays a huge part in keeping our society safe. We owe them all an enormous debt of gratitude. They unhesitatingly face difficult and dangerous situations every day."

The award will be presented later in the year.