Two special constables who fought a life-and-death battle in a bid to revive a heart attack victim are to be given a top award, even though the man died.

Acting special sergeant Richard Roe and special constable Craig Saunders-Johnson, who are based in Wymondham, are to receive Royal Humane Society resuscitation certificates for their fight to save a 63-year-old man from Wicklewood.

The driver collapsed at the wheel of his car on his driveway on June 24 last year, and AS/SC Roe and SC Saunders-Johnson were the first to arrive on the scene after a neighbour called for help.

The special constables took over from the neighbour, who was trying to revive the man and will also receive a Royal Humane Society award.

SC Saunders-Johnson said: 'We were the first emergency service on scene having just come on duty.

'At the same time the East Anglia Air Ambulance were landing in a nearby field and quickly took over with our continued support.'

Despite the best efforts of the rescuers, the man died half-an-hour after the air ambulance arrived.

SC Saunders-Johnson said: 'We are both extremely humbled in receiving this award, but are at the same time deeply saddened that despite the best efforts of all those involved this gentleman was unfortunately unable to be saved.

'We would like to again express our deepest condolences to all his family and friends.'

Dick Wilkinson, secretary of the Royal Humane Society, praised the rescuers' efforts, saying: 'Sadly the man died. But these two officers and his neighbour did everything possible to try and resuscitate him and ensured that he was in the best possible condition when the paramedics arrived on the scene. They did their very best and thoroughly deserve the awards that have been made to them.'

AS/SC Roe said: 'All special constables have annual first aid training for such eventualities and our actions would have been the same as any officer of the constabulary that arrived on scene that tragic day.'

No date has yet been fixed for presentation of the awards, which have been made following a recommendation from Norfolk Police.