A KENT policeman has been nominated for a national bravery award for attempting to rescue his elderly neighbour from his burning home.

PC Mick Williams-Smith, from Maidstone, is one of 50 officers from across England and Wales to be put forward for the 2002 Police Federation Police Bravery Awards.

The off-duty officer braved flames and choking smoke trying to rescue 80-year-old Joseph Baggott from his home in Tichfield Close, Senacre, Maidstone, on June 1, 2001.

PC Williams-Smith's wife had woken him at 5am after seeing the fire and Mr Baggott shouting for help at the window of his first-floor sheltered accommodation flat.

He put on a pair of shorts, rang the fire brigade and then rushed to his neighbour's house.

Although he gained access to the building, he was beaten back by the smoke and heat.

PC Williams-Smith made three further attempts but by this time the burning furniture was releasing black, toxic smoke. As he retreated for the last time a window exploded.

Mr Baggott, a retired tailor's cutter, was brought out of his burning home by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus. He was taken to hospital where he died five days later.

At the inquest into Mr Baggott's death, PC Williams-Smith was commended by coroner Roger Sykes for his "exceptional bravery." He was later awarded the Chief Constable's Commendation for Bravery.

The Police Federation Police Bravery Awards judges will pick one overall winner from eight area finalists.