NEWPORT councillor Laura Buchanan-Smith proved she was a reallty good citizen when she went on patrol with police last year helping to save an officer who came under attack.

And last night, she was rewarded by the Gwent force for her actions with a Good Citizen Award.

Councillor Buchanan-Smith joined Pill's PC Ian Roberts on his beat in December 2001. He was attacked by four men and knocked down to the ground where he split his head open and swallowed his tongue.

Councillor Buchanan-Smith covered PC Roberts' body with her own to protect him and fought to keep the offenders away.

She received injuries in the attack including cuts to her lip, but prevented the officer from receiving further injuries.

PC Roberts was detained overnight at the Royal Gwent Hospital where he needed stitches.

Details given by Councillor Buchanan-Smith resulted in four men being jailed earlier this year in separate cases at Newport and Cardiff crown courts for offences including wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, violent disorder and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

Councillor Buchanan-Smith said: "I didn't have a moment's thought for my own safety."