A TEAM of Chepstow police officers who saved a man who attempted suicide should get a top police award, a leading councillor says.

Sergeant Terry Lowman, aged 38, PC Mark Madley, 37, and PC Gareth Brown, 25, responded to a 999 call made by walkers in the Wye Valley after they found a man unconscious in a car.

Their quick thinking and expert use of their training saved the life of the man, who was parked near the Trellech to Tintern road.

Now Councillor Pam Birchall, cabinet member for community safety at Monmouthshire council, is calling for their professionalism to be recognised.

She said: "These officers have shown how dedicated they are to saving lives. I will write to the Gwent Police to ask if they can be considered for the Chief Constable's award.

"They've used their skills and experience to the utmost, and they should be recognised for that."

The man, who has not been named by police, was found at around 4pm on October 11 in a Ford Escort parked in an isolated wooded area.

At least three hosepipes connected to the exhaust were pumping fumes through an open window and the man was slumped in the driver's seat surrounded by scattered letters, tapes and photographs. The man was in a critical condition and had swallowed his tongue when officers reached him.

He received specialist treatment at a Plymouth hospital to remove carbon monoxide from his blood. He made a full recovery and thanked officers.