John was presented with a special award for saving a woman's life last year

A Farnsfield man has been commended by Nottinghamshire Police after saving a distressed woman's life last year.

Mr John Mawby, 42, was awarded with a commendation on Thursday at the force's local awards evening at Mansfield Town Football Club.

The incident happened in September 2018, when Mr Mawby was returning to his car, parked at a car park on Maid Marion Way in Nottingham, after a meeting when he noticed a woman sitting on the edge of a wall with one of her legs dangling over the side.

At one stage, both her legs were hanging over the side, but Mr Mawby approached her from distance and started to engage with her, leaning her name and establishing her trust by talking about mundane issues.

Mr Mawby said: "I’d just finished a work meeting in the city and came back to my car and saw the girl. She was looking over at me and glancing away, so I knew that something wasn’t right. I was concerned and I knew I had to go over there and try to help her.

“She was scared and had one leg over the barrier. I managed to talk to her, just random things, I saw she had some nice trainers on, so just talking to her about sport design and trying to keep that conversation going to build up a relationship."

Nottinghamshire Police officers then arrived on the scene and Mr Mawby helped an officer encourage her to return to safety.

Mr Mawby added: “It was obviously a long time in that position, but I kept calm and my instinct kicked in really. Thankfully it was all resolved safely.

Chief Superintendent Rob Griffin said: "The whole incident took 90-minutes and despite the woman continually telling you she didn't want you there, you stayed and remained courteous and polite.

"You are commended for your courage and public spirited actions in saving Rebecca’s life."

Mr Mayby accepted his award at the event on Thursday, and said: “I’m very proud, as are my friends and family.

“I’d like to think if anyone was in that position, people would stop and help. It happened to me there in that car park at that time and I’m glad I helped her."