A drink-driver who crashed his car and refused to get out of the burning vehicle was saved by a heroic passer-by who put his life on the line.

Eastern Daily Press: The police Norfolk Safer Community Awards (NOSCAs). The nominees for the Police Officer of the Year, PC Jon Downs, left, and PC Dan Taylor. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYThe police Norfolk Safer Community Awards (NOSCAs). The nominees for the Police Officer of the Year, PC Jon Downs, left, and PC Dan Taylor. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Paul McAllister spotted the burning vehicle on the A1151 at Smallburgh, near Stalham and leapt out to help after seeing the driver was still in the car.

The 46-year-old police community support officer, who had just finished his shift at Sprowston Police Station, tried to pull the man from the car.

But the motorist grabbed hold of the passenger seat to try to stay where he was.

A surprised Mr McAllister called for police back-up and warned others to keep away before once again risking his life by going back in to the car, which was now engulfed in flames, to free the man.

Eastern Daily Press: PCs Wendy Frary, David Reed and Chris Bradley receive the Hannah Witheridge Special Recognition Award from Laura Witheridge. PIC: Supplied by Norfolk police.PCs Wendy Frary, David Reed and Chris Bradley receive the Hannah Witheridge Special Recognition Award from Laura Witheridge. PIC: Supplied by Norfolk police. (Image: Archant)

The PCSO, a member of the Thorpe St Andrew Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: 'He said he wanted to die. Well he wasn't going to die while I was there.'

The driver, who was three times the drink-drive limit, was angry and abusive and had to be restrained by PCSO McAllister until further help arrived.

His selfless actions were rewarded with a bravery award at the 10th annual Norfolk Safer Community Awards (NOSCAs) held on Thursday.

Mr McAllister insisted he was not a hero and had just done what he needed to do and what his colleagues would do.

The father of two did however hail the bravery of Chris Hayley and Rachel Cato, members of the public who had also tried to help and 'didn't have to do what they did'.

PCSO McAllister also told how his father Ted, who died two years ago aged 78, played a part in the rescue.

He had been in the military police in Germany and had tried to pull a man from a burning car years earlier.

He said: 'They couldn't get the guy out and he died. That haunted my father and as I was doing what I was doing all I kept thinking was I will even the score.'

Norfolk's chief constable Simon Bailey said the PCSO 'displayed tremendous bravery'.

He said: 'In the true spirit of the police service Paul placed the safety of others ahead of that of his own and his selfless act of courage has undoubtedly saved the life of the driver.'

There was a total of 18 awards announced at the ceremony which took place at the Holiday Inn Norwich North, including:

• The Hannah Witheridge Special Recognition Award

It has been named in memory of a 23-year-old Norfolk woman who was murdered while backpacking holiday in Thailand to recognise the crucial role played by family liaison officers.

The Hannah Witheridge Special Recognition Award, which was presented for the first time last year, was this year given to PCs David Reed, Wendy Frary and Chris Bradley who together helped the devastated families of Billy Hines, Kyle Warren and Dominic O'Neill.

The three teenagers were killed when their car burst into flames after crashing into trees in Pulham Market in April this year.

Laura Witheridge, Hannah's sister, who presented the award on Thursday, said she never knew family liaison officers existed before her sister's death, on the Thai island of Koh Tao in 2014. But she was so grateful to them for the care and incredible support they had given her and the rest of her family since Hannah's death.

• Community Officers of the year

The NOSCAs was once again backed by the EDP with readers asked to vote for those nominated in community officer of the year categories.

• Police Officer of the Year was won by PC Dan Taylor, beat manager for the Bowthorpe area who has proactively dealt with a number of community issues in the past year, including combatting anti-social behaviour with high visibility patrols.

• Police Community Support Officer of the Year was won by Joseph Pike, a support officer for Loddon and Poringland, who set up an initiative with children from Poringland Primary School to design a road safety sign following complaints about speeding.

• Special Constabulary Officer of the Year was won by Special Constable Jonathan Jackson who has been instrumental in setting up the police horse unit for Norfolk Constabulary which has gained a very high profile due to his dedication.

Other NOSCAs winners included:

Student Officer of the Year: PC Spencer Crane

The John (Cecil) Mason Volunteer of the Year: Sally Mack

Police Cadet of the Year: Nikki Dale and Karl Brock

Police Staff Member of the Year: Dr Helen Ireland

Young Citizens of the Year: Emily Freeman and Charlie Mason

Investigator of the Year: Det Con Richard Justice

Problem Solver of the Year: Sgt Jon Bendall

Outstanding Leadership Award: Sgt Mick Andrew and Sgt Mark Shepherd

Community Citizens of the Year: CCTV Great Yarmouth

The Chief Constable's Special Recognition Award: Police Community Engagement Officers

Response Team of the Year: Great Yarmouth District Team 4

Police Dog of the Year: PC Jamie Ward and Police Dog Neeko

Outstanding Team of the Year: Data Communications - SpoC

Safer Neighbourhood Team of the Year: Downham Market