A TRAFFORD police officer was recognised for his courage and bravery' during Greater Manchester Police's Chief Constable's Awards at Trafford Town Hall, on Tuesday afternoon.

Chief Constable Michael Todd awarded his High Commendation' to PC Barry Cheetham and his colleague after they apprehended a man threatening to cause an explosion in Partington, by igniting escaping gas.

Trafford's head of partnership and justice, Supt John Graves and operations Chf Insp Darren Shenton were also recognised at the special ceremony - they both received Long Service and Good Conduct Medals'.

Pc Cheetham and another officer were called to an incident in Partington, on April 27 2004 where it was believed that a man with a knife was smashing up a house.

On arrival the officers discovered the offender had barricaded himself inside his estranged wife's home. The man was known to be violent with a mental disability, and there was a strong smell of gas coming from inside.

In order to prevent the man causing himself harm the officers forced their way inside using their shields as protection.

The gas from the fire in the living room had been left on, and as the man bent down towards it he attempted to produce a flame from the lighter. Pc Cheetham and his colleague managed to disarm the man and took him outside.

They then re-entered the house and switched off the gas supply prior to the arrival of the emergency services.

The offender appeared at Manchester Crown Court, on August 2, 2004, charged with affray and was sentenced to a 12-month rehabilitation order.