A HEROIC police officer's rescue of a Bolton man and his blind dog from Rivington reservoir is to be featured on national TV.

Sgt Keith Blezard stripped off and dived into the icy waters to rescue the John Morrow and his labrador Braby who were stranded hundreds of yards from the bank.

The rescue is being reconstructed for the BBC TV programme 999 which features real-life dramas.

The story of the rescue by Sgt Blezard, who is now an inspector, was featured in the BEN nearly three years ago.

Mr Morrow, of Oldstead Grove, Bolton, got into difficulty as he used a buoy to try to save Braby, who had become exhausted and was unable to make it back to the shore.

The 6ft tall, 15-stone policeman, who was then based at Chorley, stripped off and dived in to rescue the freezing man and his dog, who had been two hours in the water clinging to the buoy.

Sgt Blezard constructed a makeshift raft using two planks of wood and a pair of braces, then towed them to safety.

After his recovery in hospital Mr Morrow, then aged 51, praised his rescuer for saving his life.

The two men have since become firm friends. Commenting on the BBC reconstruction, Insp Blezard, who received a Chief Constable's Commendation, said: "It's a good human interest story and reflects well on the police.

"For my part, though, I'm just thankful that John and Brabo survived."

The programme is expected to be screened in September.

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