A man who courageously pulled a woman from her car just seconds before it burst into flames has been honoured by Kent Police.

Brave Graham Burbage was invited to attend the Chief Constable's Award Ceremony after he risked his own life to save a stranger's.

It was a normal evening when Mr Burbage, from Tonbridge, set out to visit his family. But what happened next changed his life and that of another family.

At around 6.30pm on August 9, Mr Burbage came across a crash involving two cars at the junction of Haysden Land and the B2176 Penshurst Road in Tonbridge.

As a result of the impact, one of the vehicles veered off the road and the driver, Susan Stark from Tunbridge Wells, was injured and unconscious behind the wheel.

A number of other drivers stopped to see what had happened but Mr Burbage sprang into action.

"Mr Burbage risked his own life to save that of a stranger, a truly selfless act" - Chief Constable Alan Pughsley

The 49-year-old approached the smoking car and found just the driver in the vehicle, but she was not responding.

He managed to rouse her and after being advised not to move her because she was suffering from back pain, he noticed the car was on fire.

Reacting instantly, he told Ms Stark he was going to free her from the vehicle and advised other people at the scene to stand back.

He pulled her out and as he was dragging her to safety, the vehicle became engulfed in flames.

Kent Police nominated Mr Burbage to receive a prestigious award from the Royal Humane Society.

He joined officers, staff and their family and friends at the awards ceremony last night to collect his certificate, presented by Chief Constable Alan Pughsley.

He said: "It is important that we recognise the brave acts of people living amongst us in the community. Mr Burbage risked his own life to save that of a stranger, a truly selfless act.

"Although I would never recommend people put themselves in danger, his valiant actions undoubtedly saved Susan's life."

A number of officers and staff were also presented with the Chief Constable's Commendations for courageous acts, exemplary work and implementing a policing model that focuses on quality and great service delivery.

Uncovering an organised drugs gang in Tunbridge Wells and launching a new model that helps identify suspects of crime were among the achievements celebrated at the awards ceremony.

Chief Constable Pughsley added: "I feel overwhelmed each time I hold an awards ceremony and am reminded of the courageous actions of police colleagues and members of the public.

"Kent residents really should feel as proud as I do of those who heroically save lives and dedicate theirs to catching criminals."