A DOG handler who rescued an elderly hospital patient from a freezing ravine was today honoured for his bravery.

PC Simon Harwood risked his life to save the 70-year-old diabetic after she had spent more than 12 hours wandering on the moors between Burnley and Nelson in freezing conditions.

Now PC Harwood has received the prestigious Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society Award for his bravery. The award was presented by Lancashire Evening Telegraph Editor Kevin Young.

Police were alerted when the woman, who suffered from senile dementia, went missing from a mental health day care unit at Burnley General Hospital last December.

Lancashire Police helicopter, dog handlers and uniformed officers, along with members of Rossendale Search and Rescue Team combed the area around Briercliffe.

During atrocious weather conditions of driving wind, sleet and below-freezing temperatures PC Harwood used his dog to find the woman barely alive in a ravine near Extwistle Hall, Roggerham Gate, near Briercliffe.

He removed his jacket, jumper and body warmer and wrapped them round the woman, and attempted to carry her to the top of the ravine, before other officers arrived to assist him.

The woman, from Nelson, was taken to hospital suffering from effects of the cold, but was otherwise unhurt.

Supt John Thompson, of Blackburn Police, said: "Thanks to PC Simon Harwood's excellent and professional police work and personal bravery this lady was saved from what was almost certainly an inevitable death. This award is a fitting recognition of his actions."