A POLICE officer who revived a woman with the kiss of life in Minehead police station is to receive one of the country's top life-saving honours.

WPC Alison Chilcott has been awarded a Royal Humane Society resuscitation certificate on the recommendation of Chief Constable Steve Pilkington.

The drama began at about 11pm on February 26 when the woman, who has not been named, collapsed in the street.

An ambulance crew had tried unsuccessfully to get her into their vehicle and WPC Chilcott, who had dealt with the woman before, was concerned she would be at risk if left on her own.

She took the 50-year-old woman to the police station where a police surgeon examined her and decided she was fit to be detained.

But shortly afterwards the woman collapsed and her breathing and pulse stopped.

WPC Chilcott gave her the kiss of life and she began breathing, but then stopped and the officer resuscitated her for a second time.

This time, the woman remained breathing and she was taken to hospital.

The Royal Humane Society was formed in 1774 and is the UK's leading organisation for honouring life-savers and those who have been involved in heroic rescue incidents.

A date for the presentation of the award has yet to be fixed.