Two teenagers who fought off and helped convict a man who attacked them with a knife in Barepot have been commended at the Cumbria Chief Constable's Awards.

Imogen Greenoff and Amy Bonner have been honoured, as have four police officers involved in the case.

Imogen was stabbed and Amy assaulted by drunken Adrian Fallows as they walked next to the River Derwent in June last year.

During the ordeal, each teenager bravely waded in to protect the other. Amy intervened, but was grabbed by Fallows. Imogen wrestled him away but was attacked with a four-inch blade. She suffered several wounds, including two to her chest, and spent almost a week in hospital recovering from a punctured lung.

Despite seeing Fallows’ blood-covered knife, Amy went back to her pal’s aid. Fallows fled and the girls ran to safety.

He was caught and later admitted charges of wounding with intent and common assault. He was given an 11-year prison term at Carlisle Crown Court in November.

This is the second time the girls' bravery has been publicly recognised.

Earlier this year they received certificates and cash rewards from Cumbria's then High Sheriff, the Rev Richard Lee, following a direction by Judge Peter Davies that they should be commended.

Detective Inspector Neil Cooper, who led the investigation, has also put Imogen and Amy forward for a national Police Public Bravery Award.

He said: “Imogen and Amy showed incredible courage and bravery, not only during the attack but in the immediate aftermath when, despite the horrific ordeal they had gone through, they were able to provide vital information to allow officers to act swiftly.

“These two young women are a credit to the whole of Cumbria and I’m sure their families are incredibly proud of each of them.”

Four police officers involved in the case have also been honoured.

PC Camille Best, who was first on the scene and gave first aid, received a Territorial Police Commander’s Certificate of Merit.

Certificates of Merit were also awarded to PCs Bruce Kemp and Daniel Cottingham who arrested Fallows, and to Sgt Martin Hodgson, who was a key member of the investigation team.