POLICE officers and members of the public who came to the rescue of a woman who was hit by a car in Penrith have been praised for their actions.

The woman was left with life-threatening lower limb injuries after a car mounted the pavement in the town centre on May 14 last year.

Constables Mark Smith and Tony Sharpe were on patrol in the town centre and witnessed the incident.

Both officers immediately tended to the casualties and administered first aid with help from PC Maja Labram and PC Chris Newman, as well as members of the public Tim Lorton, Keely Storey and Rita Mallinson.

Cumbria Police said the actions of those involved saved the life of this individual and they have received Chief Constable’s Commendations from Chief Constable Michelle Skeer.

Chief Inspector Richard Quinn said: “This was a particularly traumatic incident which occurred in the centre of Penrith.

“Both the Police ponstables and the members of the public showed great courage and resourcefulness in the way they immediately reacted to what was a life-threatening situation.

“Without their swift intervention the terrible collision could easily have ended in tragedy.”

The officers and members of the public have also been awarded with a certificate from the Royal Humane Society.

Police Constable Mark Smith paid tribute to those members of the public who stepped up to help.

He said: "The praise from this incident should go first and foremost to the members of the public who so quickly responded to this incident.

"They did some absolutely fantastic work which allowed myself and other emergency service colleagues to do what we needed to do."