TWO Marlborough police officers, Sgt Steve McGrath and PC Ben Braine received special awards yesterday.

Both received certificates of merit from the Salisbury divisional police commander Ch Supt Jerry Wickham at Marlborough police station.

Sgt McGrath, who has been in the Wiltshire force for 14 years and based in Marlborough since 2002, was recognised for his sensitive work investigating a serious sexual assault at the former Amber Foundation centre at Tottenham House in Savernake Forest.

The Amber Foundation provides residential care to help people deal with substance abuse.

In September 2003 police were called to Tottenham House and on his arrival Sgt McGrath took control of the incident in what a force spokesman called "a thoroughly proficient and positive way".

He ensured preservation of the crime scene, collated the facts and prepared a comprehensive report which was later praised by members of his senior management team

As a result of his meticulous investigation the attacker appeared before Salisbury Crown Court in June last year and was jailed for two years for indecent assault and drugs offences.

His citation reads: "Sgt McGrath is commended for his professionalism in difficult circumstances which is a credit not only to him personally but also the Wiltshire Constabulary."

PC Braine, 46, together with Chilton Foliat villager Robert Brandler received awards for their role in rescuing an elderly woman who had jumped into the River Kennet in Chilton Foliat as dusk was falling on October 17 last year.

The woman had left her home stating she intended to commit suicide by jumping into the river.

On ascertaining that the woman had previously attempted suicide, PC Braine 26 years with Wiltshire police coordinated a search of the river involving the force helicopter.

The helicopter's thermal imager located a heat source in the river in an area not readily accessible.

PC Braine, knowing that time was critical due to the women's age and intentions, waded down the river towards the area illuminated by the helicopter.

At one stage he sank up to his waist in water and deep silt but PC Braine was able to reach the woman and carry her bank to the bank where Mr Brandler, who had been alerted by a dog barking, gave his assistance.

The woman was airlifted to Great Western Hospital and treated for hypothermia.

A police spokesman said: "There is no doubt that without Mr Brandler's public spirited help this lady may not have survived."

PC Braine has served the Swindon division but mainly in the Salisbury division, where for some time he was acting sergeant at Pewsey.