AN AMMANFORD policeman who tried desperately to save a drowning teenager in a Llandybie quarry has received a Mid and West Wales Fire Service award for his bravery.

PC Alun Morgan plunged into the icy waters at Cilyrchen Quarry on the afternoon of June 6 after racing to the scene on hearing that 14-year-old Ffairfach schoolboy Luke Somerfield had disappeared beneath the surface.

A Llanelli inquest – which recorded a verdict of accidental death – subsequently heard how PC Morgan, 34, a former lifeguard at Amman Valley Leisure Centre, had to battle the effects of the cold after diving into the water in a frantic effort to find Luke before eventually pulling him ashore.

PC Morgan’s valour was recognised at the service’s second annual Celebrating Success Awards ceremony at the Liberty Stadium.

“To receive the award at such a prestigious event was an honour,” he said. “I felt humbled by the nomination from the Fire Service and wish to thank them along with my colleagues for their support in trying to save Luke Somerfield’s life in such tragic circumstances.”

The Team Achievement Award was won by the new Amman Valley Community Fire Station in Gwaun cae Gurwen “for their high level of professionalism, commitment and application to the organisation and local community”.

Watch manager Geraint Thomas said: “It’s nice to see that the team from Amman Valley have been recognised for their patience whilst the new station was being built and I am immensely proud of them and all their hard work.”