THREE men who saved a woman from drowning during the storms of two years ago have been presented with bravery awards by Police Scotland.

Romanno Bridge airline worker Jamie Simmons and Peebles teacher Keith Russell both dived into the flooded Lyne Water on Boxing Day 2015 after seeing a woman fall from a nearby bridge.

Jamie's father, Michael, who is from Newcastle, also waded through the icy-cold water to help with the recovery.

The woman was taken to hospital by ambulance and later made a full recovery from her ordeal.

This week at the Scottish Police College in Tulliallan the three men were presented with awards.

A spokesman for Police Scotland said: "It is clear that without the help of all three men involved, this woman would surely have lost her life."

Keith, who was travelling in his car near the Lyne Water at Romanno Bridge with his young son, was first to notice the woman falling backwards off the bridge.

He immediately stopped the car, and was met with the woman’s son who was frantically shouting for help.

Jamie had been out walking his dogs with his mother and when he saw the woman in the water.

Both men dived into the swollen river, which was around seven feet deep and flowing fast due to heavy overnight rain.

They managed to pull the woman onto the riverbank to administer first aid.

Michael entered a drainage ditch filled with neck deep water in order to get to provide assistance.

The three men were among 24 members of the public - as well as 28 police officers - who were honoured at the Police Scotland Bravery and Meritorious Service Awards on Tuesday,

Deputy Chief Constable Iain Livingstone presented the commendations for bravery and meritorious conduct.

DCC Livingstone said: “I was delighted to meet all the award brave recipients, who have acted so courageously, and it is right we pay tribute to their efforts and praise the selflessness of their actions.

"Police Scotland officers often find themselves in situations, as part of their duty where, they go above and beyond what would normally be expected. It is important we take the time to recognise when our officers and staff go the extra mile to keep people safe.

“It is also extremely encouraging to see members of the public care about the people the live beside in their communities - even those they may not know. Their acts of bravery and of humanity should be applauded."