HERO PC Steve Breary was commended for saving a rail passenger whose heart stopped at York Station.

PC Breary was a British Transport Police probationer - with only five weeks on-the-job experience - when a member of the public raised the alarm that a man had collapsed on the footbridge.

He said: "When I got there the man was already sat down, looking very ashen. Then he collapsed to his side."

After checking for a pulse and finding none, PC Breary - assisted by two members of GNER staff - put Jack Armstrong, of Paisley, in Scotland, on the floor and started performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

In the meantime, GNER staff went to get one of the two defibrillator machines kept at the station.

PC Breary and the rail company staff continued to work on Mr Armstrong until the emergency services arrived.

He said: "I felt I was in control of the situation. All the first aid training I've had in the past, both with the police and previously in the Army, kicked in.

"At the police training school we have a complete module going through first aid techniques which is approved by the St John Ambulance."

PC Nick Storey, who was training PC Breary at the time, said: "When I heard what Steve had done, I thought he'd gone above and beyond the call of duty."

Mr Armstrong - who was visiting relatives in Scarborough - was taken to hospital and later told he had had a coronary rupture. He went on to make a full recovery.

PC Breary was yesterday presented with the Keith Winter Cup by Len Winter at Rish restaurant, in Fossgate, York.

The cup is awarded in memory of Mr Winter's son, Keith, who was killed as a probationer in 1970 when a lorry carrying propane gas exploded at Hull Docks.

The Keith Winter Cup is only presented when appropriate action by a probationer deems it worthy. It has been awarded seven times since 1993.

Superintendent David Farrelly, area commander for the north-east, said: "This nomination for the cup was successful because Steve's intervention saved the life of a man, and after only five weeks in the training programme."

Assistant Chief Constable Paul Nicholas, who travelled from London for the event, said: "I thought this was remarkable.

"The cup is usually awarded to a London officer because of the sheer number of events that happen there.

"It is very fitting that this award should be given for saving someone's life because it was set up following the death of a probationer."

PC Breary, of Beverley, was awarded the Royal Humane Society's Resuscitation Certificate in April in recognition of his actions. He also received the Chief Constable's Commendation.

Updated: 10:28 Thursday, November 24, 2005