They risked their lives during one of the worst disasters in recent Sussex history.

But it was not until Thursday night that Sergeant Dan Pitcher and PC Dave Upjohn got the public recognition they deserved.

The traffic officers were among the first police at the scene of the Festival Fireworks explosion at Shortgate, near Lewes, nearly five years ago.

They won the South East regional honours at the National Police Bravery Awards at The Savoy hotel in London last night.

Two firefighters, Geoff Wicker and Brian Wembridge, were killed when a fire set off explosives being stored at the site on December 3, 2006.

Sgt Pitcher and PC Upjohn were helping evacuate the area and close roads when the main blast took place.

Sgt Pitcher was knocked off his feet and lumps of concrete, metal, wood, glass, and even a section of telegraph pole, flew through the air.

The two officers, surrounded by injured colleagues and firefighters, went to the aid of a stricken man about 50 metres from the burning factory.

His skull had been badly wounded and shock meant he began fighting the officers as they tried to give first aid.

Eventually they managed to bandage him and take him to safety.

Both officers continued to work at the scene to search for other casualties.

The factory’s owner, Martin Winter, and his son, Nathan, were jailed for manslaughter by gross negligence in 2009.

Martin Winter, 52, who ran Festival Fireworks UK Ltd at Marlie Farm, in Shortgate Lane, Ringmer, near Lewes, was jailed for seven years. His son Nathan, 25, was jailed for five years.

Nathan Winter’s sentence was reduced to four years on appeal.

The officers received a commendation from the Sussex Police chief constable but could not be nominated for these awards until after the criminal proceedings had finished.

Mark White, secretary of Sussex Police Federation, said: “We are incredibly proud of the actions of Sgt Pitcher and PC Upjohn.

“Having witnessed an enormous explosion, they risked their lives by going back onto the site in order to save a life, whilst the fire was still raging and there were fireworks exploding all around them.”