TWO brave Gwent police officers who rescued residents from a burning building have been to 10 Downing Street today to honour nominees for the the 19th national Police Bravery Awards.

PCs Rhys Caddick and Greg Eustace were at the reception today and will attend the ceremony tonight at Plaisterers’ Hall in London.

The armed response officers were commended for evacuating residents from a burning building on July 27, 2013 in Cwmtillery.

The two officers risked their own safety by going back into the building, despite thick black smoke causing near zero visibility, to save an elderly couple.

On arrival the officers could hear a fire alarm and smell smoke. PC Caddick ran to the back of the block of flats and saw that the flat with a broken window was ablaze.

He immediately called the fire service and without hesitation both officers went into the building.

The door to the flat was locked and the communal area was filling with smoke.

PC Eustace began evacuating the other residents whilst PC Caddick tried to force entry into the burning flat, not knowing if anyone was inside. Smoke was rapidly filling the building making it difficult to see anything or breathe. PC Caddick managed to force open the door but the heat and smoke was so intense it was impossible to enter.

Suffering from smoke inhalation, both officers had to retreat outside.

However, residents raised concerns about an elderly couple who lived in the flat opposite the fire. Without hesitation both officers went back in.

They were unable to see where they were going but somehow managed to get to the door of the couple’s flat, wake them up and lead them to safety.

More than 66 officers from 31 forces across England and Wales are in the running to be crowned the bravest officer of the year - including two from Gwent Police.

Eight regional winners will be announced during the evening, followed by an overall winner.

The awards were established 19 years ago to pay tribute to the unsung heroes of the police service. The gala evening honours officers who put themselves at risk of death or serious harm performing their duties. It is organised by the Police Federation of England and Wales and sponsored by Police Mutual.

This year’s outstanding acts of heroism include flood rescues, arson attacks, river rescues, stopping a hit and run driver and confronting armed offenders.

Steve White, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: "I am constantly humbled and amazed by the selfless acts of bravery carried out by police officers on a day to day basis. For every act of courage and bravery recognised in the Police Bravery Awards there are hundreds more that occur in our communities every day that go unrecognised. Each nominee is a credit to the police service and to the community they serve.”