NURSE Mandy Palframan, who jumped into the freezing river in Chippenham, in January to save a suicidal man she spotted in the water while out shopping, received an award for her bravery from police.

Officers said if it had not been for her actions the man, who afterwards told them he had wanted to end his life but was glad he'd been rescued, could have died from hypothermia.

Mrs Palframan, 31, of Ascot Close, Chippenham, who works at Chippenham Community Hospital, still maintains she did what anyone else would have done under the circumstances.

"I just went into autopilot. It was a cold day, he was in freezing cold water, and I knew if he didn't get out of there soon he's become seriously unwell," she said.

"I found out about the award six weeks ago and I was really surprised.

"I'm a bit overwhelmed really."

Mrs Palframan, who was out shopping with her friend Dawn Smart, when she spotted the man near the town bridge, threw in a lifebelt and shouted at him to grab hold of it. She then pulled him over some railings to safety.