A police officer who helped to save a baby's life nearly two years ago has been commended by the Metropolitan Police commissioner.

PC Steve Norton answered a call on police radio on September 5, 2014, when new mum Joanne Paine found her premature son unresponsive in the middle of the night.

December 2014: Hero police officer reunited with baby boy he saved by running him to hospital

When he arrived at her home in Blackshaw Road, she had been administering CPR, but did not know what else to do and put her four-pound premature baby Harrison into PC Norton's arms.

Wandsworth Times:

PC Norton with Jo Paine and her son Harrison

PC Norton, 44, said: "I could not hear an ambulance or see lights and so because she lives near the hospital, it was a decision to stay there or to run the baby to the hospital.

"So I ran the baby to the hospital where they got him in resuscitation. He stopped breathing again but he was in the right place now."

Doctors worked on Harrison and he made a good recovery and is now a "bonny little lad" according to PC Norton.

Nearly two years later, PC Norton received an award from the Royal Humane Society, which was presented to him by the Met commissioner at a ceremony on August 3.

Mum Ms Paine said PC Norton has become a firm friend.

She said: "He is an extremely important person to me and I am so happy know that he has been recognised for what he did.

"Me and my family recognise what he did for us but for him to be recognised in his workplace, I really do think it is well deserved.

"He is quite a humble man and he isn't looking for the hero badge of anything. He has a son of his own, he was doing his job and he went above and beyond the call of duty."

Wandsworth Times:

PC Norton with Jo Paine and son Harrison in 2014 when they were reunited at Christmas

Ms Paine said son Harrison, who will start pre-school and nursery this September, is doing well, with the pair only seeing the neo natal hospital team every six months.

On receiving his award, PC Norton said: "It is just that you have done the right thing and that you can make the right decision when it really matters.

"My single most thought was that I need to do something, and I have to do it quickly.

"He was not breathing properly, at the time he was thrust into my hands.

"It was the single biggest decision I have ever made in my career."

The commissioner, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, said: "These people are truly remarkable and it is with pride and thanks that I can commend them for their actions.

"The first duty of all police officers is to protect life and it is very clear that through these officers’, and indeed a member of the public’s, quick thinking and bravery, many people are alive today that would otherwise not be, and many families have been spared the pain of grief."

The Royal Humane Society is a charity that grants awards for acts of bravery in the saving of human life and, also, for the restoration of life by resuscitation.