A Norfolk police officer who risked his life to save a teenage girl on a flyover has been nominated for a national award.

PC Joe Jermy climbed over the railings onto the ledge to cling on to the girl for more than 10 minutes in what was clearly a life or death situation.

Now PC Jermy, who is based in Dereham, will be recognised at the 22nd Police Bravery Awards in London next month.

PC Jermy and his colleague came across the 15-year-old on the flyover which carries the A47 dual carriageway over the A1075 in Dereham and a railway line some 20 feet below.

The girl, who was epileptic, had climbed over the barrier and was standing on a ledge.

The officers arranged for the traffic below to be stopped, but PC Jermy saw the girl's mood had changed.

She stated she wanted to be with her deceased mother, was slumped down and appeared to be lapsing in and out of consciousness.

Sensing that there was not time to wait for assistance, he ran up the embankment, on to the ledge and shimmied along to the girl and pinned her to the barrier, clinging on to the fencing behind her with his fingertips to prevent her from falling.

He held this position for 10 minutes, when he was joined by Duncan Barrow from the fire brigade, who helped PC Jermy keep her safe until the fire service could erect ladders and ropes to bring the pair down safely.

The girl was taken to hospital and placed in a secure home for her safety and recovery.

Norfolk Police Federation chairman Andy Symonds said: 'Without hesitation, PC Jermy put his life on the line by going out along the narrow ledge on the wrong side of the safety barrier to reach the girl.

'The efforts of this officer and the fire officer undoubtedly stopped what could have been a very tragic outcome.'

Chief Constable of Norfolk Constabulary Simon Bailey said: 'PC Jermy acted bravely and at great risk to himself but without doubt saved a young life. 'His actions exemplify the selfless acts we expect our police officers to undertake every day in order to protect the public.'

PC Jermy has already received a Chief Constables' Bravery Award and Norwich City FC's KarePlus Community Hero award, while both he and Mr Barrow were also honoured by the Royal Humane Society.