Two teenage friends who saved each other from the clutches of a knife-wielding attacker have been honoured for their heroism.

Imogen Greenoff was stabbed and Amy Bonner assaulted by drunken Adrian Fallows as they walked next to the River Derwent at Barepot.

But during the terrifying ordeal, on the night of June 1 last year, each teenager bravely waded in to protect the other from Fallows.

Amy initially intervened but was grabbed by Fallows. Imogen wrestled him away but was then attacked with a four-inch blade he was carrying.

She suffered several wounds, including two to her chest, and spent almost a week in hospital healing from a punctured lung.

But despite seeing Fallows' blood-covered knife, Amy went back to her stricken pal's aid. Fallows eventually fled and the girls ran to safety.

They were met a short distance away by Imogen's shocked father, Adrian, who had come to collect them and saw his daughter covered in blood.

Fallows was caught and later admitted charges of wounding with intent and common assault. He was jailed at Carlisle Crown Court in November and given an 11-year prison term as part of an extended sentence imposed by Judge Peter Davies.

The judge directed at the time that the two girls be commended and rewarded.

Yesterday (TUES) Imogen, now 16, and 15-year-old Amy - both of Workington - attended a crown court presentation ceremony. They received certificates and cash rewards from Cumbria's High Sheriff, the Rev Richard Lee.

Judge Davies said: "Amy and Imogen were confronted by a wicked, unpredictable and violent man armed with a knife. Without any consideration for their own safety and welfare they each went to the rescue of their friend.

"It is no exaggeration to say that their mutual heroism and selfless courage saved them from a fate which could have been much worse."

After the hearing, Imogen said of the commendation: "I think it is a good thing to have from something so negative."

The experience, she said, had "definitely" brought the girls closer together as friends. Imogen added: "Everyone was so supportive of me.

"They always know if somebody needed someone I would always be the one to help them if they needed it."

Amy attended with her parents, Eileen and Paul, and described the commendation as a "once in a lifetime" event.

She remembered "everything" about the incident, including, she said: "Me just getting grabbed and Imogen saving my life. If Imogen hadn't been there who knew what would have happened."

Among the girls' proud relatives were Imogen's mother, Fiona, who said: "We are very proud, and thankful she is here.

"You realise how fragile life is."