Nora Howlett, 67, was thrown from her horse while crossing the River Chelmer in Danbury during flooding earlier this year.

She managed to reach a marker post in the water to cling to while a friend rode for help.

Ian Wright, a retired Essex Police Chief Superintendent, and off-duty Sergeant Malcolm Hardy of the Metropolitan Police Service were walking on opposite sides of the riverbank and came to her aid.

Heroism certificates

Mr Wright stripped to the waist, entered the water, and brought the woman safely to the riverbank aided by Mr Hardy.

No-one was injured in the rescue.

The officers are to receive Royal Humane Society Certificates for their bravery.

Lord Braybrooke, HM Lord Lieutenant of Essex, will present the awards at Shire Hall in Chelmsford.

The Royal Humane Society, originally formed in 1774, is a UK-wide organisation which aims to honour lifesavers and those who have been involved in heroic rescues.