BRAVE Bolton bobbies including one officer who tackled a man armed with a machete and another who had a gun pointed at him, are being commended for their actions in the line of duty.

Sgt Martin Cassie, who lives in Bolton, will be presented with the Chief Constable's Commendation for his courage when he disarmed a man wielding a machete.

Thirty-eight-year-old Sgt Cassie had been called to a house in Stockport in September last year and was confronted by the man brandishing the weapon.

The man ran towards the police officer who managed to dodge the blade and wrestle it from him before arresting him.

The man later pleaded guilty in court and was sentenced to three years imprisonment.

Sgt Cassie, who will celebrate 20 years in the force in December, already has one commendation.

A Citation of Merit will be awarded to Sgt Martin Bell, 37, for his work in tackling Bolton drug dealers.

He led Bolton's drug unit for 18 months which led to the seizure of £2 million worth of drugs, five guns and the arrest of 140 people, mostly for drugs offences.

He will also be praised for his dedication, professionalism and leadership skills.

PC Philip Waring, 38, who works at Horwich police station, pulled two people out of their car who were unconscious and soaked in petrol.

He cut through the seat belts before lifting them out - risking his own life.

A driver in another car who caused the crash was later jailed for six years for dangerous driving.

PC Waring, who has one commendation, will receive a citation of merit and a Royal Humane Society testimonial parchment.

He celebrated 20 years service in the force in September.

Sgt John Lynn helped save the life of a motorcyclist after a serious crash.

The policeman was off duty when he saw a motorcyclist, who had lost control of his bike, lying injured in Hulme Road, Stoneclough.

Sgt Lynn unblocked the airways of the injured man and supported his injured head.

The motorcyclist remained in a coma for three weeks and a semi-coma for a further two weeks - but has since made a good recovery.

Chief Constable Wilmot will give Sgt Lynn - who works for the UK atomic energy constabulary - a St John Ambulance Award for his prompt actions.

Long service and good conduct medals will also be given to temporary inspector Kevin Fitzpatrick, 45, Sgt Gerard Baines, 41, and WPC Janet Ramsden, 41.

The special constabulary long service medal will be given to Gail Terry, 34 and Andrew Fletcher. All will be given their awards by the Chief Constable at a ceremony in Bolton on Monday.

And on Wednesday, the Lord Lieutenant will present the Queen's Commendation for bravery to PC Paul Anderson of Bolton division. PC Anderson, aged 31, who joined the force in 1992, had a gun pointed at him when he tried to stop two men who had threatened staff in a Bolton amusement arcade. Despite being threatened by the gunmen who fired the weapon into the air, PC Anderson carried on chasing them. They fled in a getaway car but fired twice at the officer as they drove off. Both men were later arrested and jailed for four years for armed robbery.

Chief Superintendent Mel Pelham, Divisional Commander for Bolton, said: "Constable Anderson was extremely courageous under enormous pressure."