FEARLESS policeman Robert Condy-Young

(pictured)

is to receive a prestigious bravery award for rescuing a woman from a blazing car.

PC Condy-Young will be given the Royal Humane Society Bronze Medal on the personal approval of Princess Alexandra, the society's president.

The award comes after an horrific incident at Shaldon last April, when PC Condy-Young pulled Serena Walters from a vehicle which was about to be engulfed by flames.

Serena Walters broke her neck in the crash, but PC Condy-Young's quick thinking ensured she was removed from the passenger seat before fire from the engine reached her.

PC Condy-Young, who is based in Teignmouth, recalled: "It was an horrendous day. When I first got there I couldn't see the woman was in the car. She was so slumped over.

"Someone pointed her out and it became imperative to get her out. She was unconscious and the flames were about a foot above the engine block.

"I got her out and I understand she's making a good recovery. I'm proud to be given the award, although I kind of think I'm not worthy."

In addition to the Royal Humane Society Bronze Medal, PC Condy-Young has received the personal praise of the society's secretary, Dick Wilkinson, as he announced the award at its London headquarters.

Mr Wilkinson said: "PC Condy-Young showed tremendous courage and selflessness in climbing inside this car, which could have exploded at any moment.

"But for his bravery, the trapped woman might not have survived. Not only did he manage to save her life, but he then went on to pursue and arrest the suspected driver of the vehicle who had left the scene.

"He is a credit to the force and richly deserves the special honour of our Bronze Medal."

On the day of the accident, emergency services teams were alerted to the serious collision on Bridge Road, near Shaldon, at about 2.30am.

Mr Wilkinson added: "PC Condy-Young was the first to respond to the incident and was confronted with a harrowing scene, involving a female passenger who had lost consciousness and was trapped in the vehicle.

"Thick, black and acrid smoke was billowing from under the bonnet and the vehicle looked as though it would go up in flames at any moment.

"PC Condy-Young climbed into the vehicle and fought to free the trapped female. He succeeded in lifting the woman out of the car and to safety, where he assisted her until the arrival of the other emergency services."

In July, PC Condy-Young received a commendation from chief constable Stephen Otter for his bravery in Shaldon.

The Royal Humane Society Bronze Medal is expected to be presented to PC Condy-Young by Princess Alexandra at the Royal Humane Society's Annual General Court in London in May.

In December, 21-year-old John Povey, was jailed for a total of three years at Exeter Crown Court after pleading guilty to causing grievous bodily harm to Miss Walters and dangerous driving.