A Police officer from Newent could be recognised as Britain's bravest bobby at an award ceremony in London next week.

Sgt Andy Allerton was nominated in the national police bravery awards for tackling ram-raiders single-handed at the town's Budgens store.

He will attend a ceremony on Thursday, July 14, at the Dorchester Hotel in London, with Home Secretary Charles Clarke. Later, he will attend a reception hosted by the Prime Minister at Downing Street.

Sgt Allerton was repeatedly punched and nearly mown down by four ram-raiders who drove a vehicle into the supermarket on January 6 last year.

Despite being alone, and knowing police back-up was up to 20 minutes away, he decided to confront the men.

Sgt Allerton was off-duty and left his wife, who was nine months' pregnant, in bed after being alerted to the break-in by a neighbour. The crooks had driven through the shop front, smashed into the tills and attempted to break open a cash machine, causing damage put at £100,000.

Sgt Allerton said: "I thought that if I could keep hold of one of the men, we would stand a chance of catching the others."

He grabbed the driver and pulled him from the vehicle, but was set upon by the other three, one of whom shouted: "Show him the gun." The officer made another attempt to seize the driver, but was beaten again and was driven into by the estate car.

As a result of his statement, and DNA from his clothes, a 20-year-old man was later arrested, charged with burglary and sentenced to four years' imprisonment.

David Griffiths, deputy secretary of Gloucestershire Police Federation, said: "Andrew Allerton displayed immense bravery. We wish him well."